Three levels of WIOA services are provided through the New Mexico Workforce Connection, with service at one level being a prerequisite to moving to the next level. The first level consists of core services. Core services include activities such as outreach, intake and eligibility determination as well as information on services available through the One-Stop Service Center. Other services include basic assessment of skill levels, aptitudes, abilities, and supportive service needs; job search and placement assistance and the provision of labor market information.
Some individuals need only the most basic information and services to meet their needs. However, for a large number of clients, core services are the foundation for developing a more comprehensive plan for attaining employment and/or training goals and targeting the intensive services most appropriate for the client.
To be eligible for intensive, adults and dislocated workers must have received at least one core service and have been determined to be in need on intensive services in order to obtain or retain employment. Intensive services may include comprehensive and specialized assessments of the skill levels and service needs of adults and dislocated workers, a variety of counseling services, the development of an individual employment plan, case management for participants seeking training services; and short-term prevocational services, including development of learning skills, communication skills, interviewing skill, punctuality, personal maintenance skill, and professional conduct to prepare individuals for unsubsidized employment or training.
The third and final level of WIOA service is training services. Training services may be made available to adult and dislocated workers who have received at least one core and one intensive service. Training services may include: 1) occupational skills training; 2) on-the-job training; 3) programs that provide workplace training with related instruction which may include cooperative education programs; 4) private sector training programs; 5) skill upgrading and retraining; 6) entrepreneurial training; 7) job readiness training; 8) adult education and literacy training in conjunction with other training services; and 9) customized training.
Training services are provided in a manner that maximizes customer choice in the selection of an eligible provider of such services. First, eligible adults are given finance power to use Individual Training Accounts (ITAs) at qualified institutions. These ITAs supplement financial aid already available through other sources and in some cases pay for the entire cost of training. Second, individuals are empowered with greater levels of information and guidance, through a system of consumer reports providing key information on the performance outcomes of training and education providers. Third, individuals are empowered through the advice, guidance, and support available through the One-Stop Service Center.
WIOA also offers services that benefit employers. Services include assistance in finding workers, training new or existing workers and in addressing business downsizing and/or closing.
If you are interested in the WIOA Program, please contact a Career Development Specialist at 575-315-1111. Our office is located at within ENMU-Ruidoso campus, 709 Mechem Drive in Ruidoso, NM.
For information on the WIOA Youth Program, please visit the WIOA Youth Program website.
