How to Apply for a WIA Grant in North Carolina

The WIA program, or the Workforce Innovation Act Program, began in 1998. When the original WIA program expired, President Obama signed a reauthorization in 2015, when it became known as the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). This federally funded program matches people who want to work with the employers who need them by providing a WIA grant to fund the training that potential employees need to do their new jobs. The experts at the North Carolina Chamber of Commerce provide the info for applying to the WIOA program in NC. These funds can help you get closer to your new career.

First, you should determine your eligibility for the WIA program. It is income-based, but the maximum thresholds vary. If you already receive public assistance, you will likely qualify. There is also a WIA unemployment program for individuals recently laid off who are eligible for unemployment benefits.

JobLink Career Centers, also known as the JLCCs, manage the job search and training resources for the state of North Carolina. They administer the WIA program in North Carolina, so you'll need to find your nearest office; the experts at NC Works provide a map of the locations. Once you do, the JLCC can give you detailed instructions about WIA programs available to you, including WIA CDL training.

You'll probably need to register for JLCC preliminary services to start the process. Then you can enroll in their core and intensive services, at which time you'll be eligible for a WIA grant for CDL training or other jobs.

Once you register for core and intensive services through the JLCC, you'll need to submit a fair amount of paperwork to qualify for the WIA program. This paperwork includes proof of income, which might be difficult if you're unemployed. If you recently lost your job, you may be eligible for unemployment payments during this time to help support yourself.

You also must make a concentrated effort to find employment through the JLCC before you qualify for the WIA program. WIA grants are available to people who can't find work otherwise, so you have to be able to demonstrate that.

You'll want to look for WIA programs simultaneously as you conduct your regular job search. You'll need to find a training program registered with the North Carolina State Training Accountability and Reporting System. Those are the only ones that qualify for the WIA program CDL or otherwise. The JLCC will help you find the right program.

Now that you've established your eligibility for a WIA grant, you can work with the JLCC to find the best training program. When you work with the JLCC, they will match you with a representative who will act similarly to a guidance counselor as you search for employment. They can help you through this stage of the process as well.

Once you find the right program, you should follow their application instructions. Formally apply for your grant at the same time through the JLCC. Your JLCC rep will help you set up an Individual Training Account (ITA). The WIA will use this account to transfer your grant funds to you, and then you use the funds to pay your tuition and fees, buy books and pay costs associated with your training or education. You typically have two years to use your funds and complete your training.

The WIA is a grant program, which means that it is not a loan, and you do not need to repay it. The expectation is that you will contribute to the economy and pay taxes with your new job, thanks to the WIA training.