The Workforce Investment Act of 1998 represents the nation's commitment to a workforce investment system designed to respond to the needs of employers, job seekers and students. Its purpose is to consolidate and streamline the numerous employment programs and to allow local workforce investment boards discretion to design and monitor workforce development strategies that meet their own labor market needs. A key objective of the workforce development system is to increase employment, retention, earnings, and occupational skill attainment of job seekers and to improve the productivity and competitiveness of national, state and local economies. Additionally, the establishment of the One-Stop system as the core service delivery for employment and training programs has set the framework for a world-class workforce development system.
Objectives of the Workforce Investment Act
Streamlined services through an integration of multiple programs at One-Stop Centers
Empower individuals with the information and resources they need to manage their own careers
Universal access for all job seekers to a core set of career decision-making and job search tools
Increase accountability of the delivery system to achieve improved results regarding skill gains, credentials earned, job placement rates, earnings and retention in employment
Improve youth programs to provide a strong connection for both boys and girls between academic and occupational learning and other youth development activities
State and local flexibility to ensure that delivery systems are responsive to the needs of individual communities
Strong role for local boards and private sector to impact the design and operation of delivery system
