8.1 Introduction and Overview

8.1.1 Introduction and Overview

Effective date: July 1, 2025

The WIOA Title I Adult Program and the Dislocated Worker Program provide career, training, and supportive services to help individuals obtain or retain stable employment that leads to economic self-sufficiency.¹ These programs are designed to support individuals and assist employers in meeting their workforce demands.²

DWD-DET oversees the Adult Program and Dislocated Worker Program. At the local level, Workforce Development Areas (WDAs) serve as the jurisdiction responsible for administering services within their area.³ Local Workforce Development Boards (WDBs) then plan, manage, and deliver these services through a one-stop delivery system.⁴ One-stop centers provide individuals and employers with access to programs, services, and activities through partnerships with Job Centers, educational institutions, community-based organizations, and local businesses.⁵ WIOA Title I funds support the provision of these services.⁶

To be eligible for the Adult Program, individuals must be 18 years of age or older and meet the criteria in Section 8.2.1. Dislocated Worker Program participants must meet the criteria in Section 8.2.2. Additional eligibility criteria for training services are detailed in Section 8.5.1. Priority of service in all WIOA Title I programs is given to veterans and eligible spouses; low-income individuals and those deemed basic skills deficient receive priority in the Adult Program.

Following an eligibility determination, participants receive an Initial Assessment and Comprehensive Assessment to identify their employment goals, barriers, and service needs, as required by DWD-DET's order of services policy. This assessment information guides the joint development of a participant's individual employment plan (IEP), which serves as a personalized roadmap for achieving their goals through career, training, and supportive services.

Career services encompass basic career services, individualized career services, and follow-up services. One-stop centers offer basic career services to everyone, while individualized career services are provided when necessary for a participant to obtain or retain employment.⁷ These services include, but are not limited to, access to labor market information, assessments tailored to participants' individual needs, and workplace counseling.⁸

Training services are available to participants who, through career services alone, are unlikely or unable to obtain or retain employment that leads to economic self-sufficiency or wages comparable to or higher than their previous earnings.⁹ These services provide access to a variety of training opportunities, such as occupational classroom training from eligible providers, work-based learning, and other types specified in Section 8.5.2.

Supportive services are provided to enable participants to fully participate in career and training services.¹⁰ These services, categorized as information and referral or program-funded, can include referrals to community programs and services, transportation assistance, and needs-related payments.

• ¹ 20 CFR § 680.140
• ² DOL-ETA, WIOA Adult and Dislocated Worker Program
• ³ 20 CFR § 679.220(a)
• ⁴ 20 CFR §§ 679.380 and 678.305
• ⁵ 20 CFR § 678.300(d); TEGL 17-16, pp.6-7
• ⁶ 20 CFR § 683.120
• ⁷ 20 CFR §§ 678.430 and 680.150
• ⁸ See 20 CFR § 678.430, for a comprehensive list of career service offerings.
• ⁹ 20 CFR §§ 680.210 and 680.220; TEGL 19-16, pp.5-6
• ¹⁰ 20 CFR §§ 680.900 and 680.910