The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act

The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) was signed into law on July 22, 2014. The law aims to help job seekers access employment, education, training, and support services to succeed in the labor market and to match employers with the skilled workers they need to compete in the global economy. Congress passed the Act by a wide bipartisan majority; it is the first legislative reform in 15 years of the public workforce system.

WIOA supersedes the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 and amends the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act, the Wagner-Peyser Act, and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

Among other things, WIOA promotes accountability and transparency; fosters collaboration; improves the one-stop system of services; promotes work-based learning and improves services to employers; improves services to individuals with disabilities; invests in serving disconnected youth; streamlines and strengthens workforce development boards.

Learn more about the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act from the U.S. Department of Labor Employment and Training Administration.