WIA Workforce Investment Act and Free CNA Training Grants

The WIA, Workforce Investment Act, is a federal law that was passed to update the Job Training Partnership Act. It was passed on August 7, 1998 and it strives to improve federal job training programs and develop a new inclusive investment system. The system aims to focus on customers and assist individuals with accessing the necessary tools to manage their jobs. The WIA offers improved flexibility for state and local administrators to create labor market systems that are broadly based with the use of federal job training funds. The law authorizes organization of various federal job training programs such as adult education and literacy programs, vocational education, and Employment Service.

The Workforce Investment Act was passed to make sure individuals throughout the country have the ability to access career training. The programs included under the act strive to help develop more qualified applicants for positions. The WIA also strives to help people who are currently unemployed or have very low income. The local government of a particular area administers the implementation of the WIA. Various regulations must be met under the Federal Standards, but local governments have control over the act’s terms and funding. Furthermore, local administrators have the ability to identify the vocational careers that are in the greatest demand in their area. Certified Nurse Assistants are commonly identified as an in-need career in many areas.

Under the WIA, individuals may be eligible to receive free Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) training. Many CNA Classes are fairly expensive and various individuals may not have sufficient funding to complete the training. The WIA enables individuals to receive the training for free. Various postsecondary institutions offer Certified Nurse Assistant training and programs range in length from three weeks to nine months. Most of the programs offered through the WIA are intended to be completed within three months or less. Those interested in becoming CNAs will need to review the requirements to see if they qualify for free CNA training.

The WIA includes two programs, one for adults and one for youth. The programs are available to specific groups of people such as those who are unemployed, have low income, have no job skills, and have been unsuccessful in finding a job due to the lack of abilities. The adult CNA program has various requirements including a minimum of 18 years old, unemployment or employed at a job that does offer a future, and no to little income. Priority is often given to applicants who are single mothers, received a previous crime conviction, and are displaced homemakers. The youth CNA program targets underprivileged minors such as individuals who have not completed high school and do not have the funds, education, or opportunities to gain employment. Individuals under the youth program must be between 14 and 21 years old. There is a wide range of special circumstances that qualify individuals for the youth program including children with special needs, pregnancy, young parents, and high school dropouts.

Individuals interested in CNA training and seeking assistance should contact WIA agencies in their states to gain more information on if they are eligible and the types of training available. It is important to understand that the regulations of the WIA differ by state and some state offers CNA training to individuals currently employed in a different field. State WIA agencies may also be able to provide lists of Workforce Investment Act eligible training programs in various areas.