In our local areas (Butler, Armstrong, and Indiana Counties), the local Board of County Commissioners established a Workforce Investment Board (WIB) that will implement the Workforce Investment Act. The Board’s mandate is to provide key policy decisions affecting the local workforce development system, and to identify and certify One-Stop Career Centers in the three county area. The local elected officials appointed high-level individuals to serve on the WIB, reflecting their recognition that workforce development is a top priority and a key to the long-range economic vitality of the three counties.
Workforce Investment Boards (WIBs) were established by the Workforce Investment Act of 1998, signed into law by President William J. Clinton on August 7, 1998. Congress’ passage of the Workforce Investment Act in August 1998 resulted in a transformation of job training and employment services, effectively replacing the Job Training Partnership Act system.
The purpose of the Act, is to “provide workforce investment activities” through statewide and local workforce investment systems increasing the employment, retention, and earnings of participants, as well as improving occupational skill attainment by participants resulting in improved quality of the workforce, reduced welfare dependency, and enhanced productivity and competitiveness of the United States.”
One-Stop Career Centers were designated as the delivery mechanism for coordinated workforce development services to Job Seekers and Employers. The centers provider services to everyone, from students an employed individuals seeking labor market and education information to those who need subsidized training to become production members of the workforce. Employers are also served by the one-stop concept—by creating a labor pool that includes job seekers at all skill levels, employers will have access to a one stop shop to fill all the human resource needs.