Workforce Investment Act

What is the "Workforce Investment Act?"

The Workforce Investment Act (WIA) is a federal program that gives workers the chance to equip themselves with the skills and information needed to compete in the new economy. Under WIA, training programs are certified as meeting certain performance standards. Eligible Minnesotans can use federal WIA funds to pay for training programs that are WIA certified.

Registered apprenticeship programs with the Department of Labor and Industry, Apprenticeship Unit are WIA certified.

Information for individual applicants

The goal of the training program is to secure specific employment rather than just increased employability. A training program that is WIA certified has met or exceeded certain performance standards established by Minnesota's employment and training community.

To receive training in Minnesota under WIA, please contact your local WorkForce Center by calling:1-888-GET JOBS.

The Consumer Report

Locate Consumer Report details for individual programs

• Select a program.
• Click on "View program performance" located above each program description.
• Find out about job placement, retention and wages of program graduates.

Information for training providers

WIA certification is designed to bring a system of "quality controls" into the federally-funded training program system. A training provider may apply to have one or more eligible training programs evaluated for WIA certification. An eligible training program consists of one or more courses that, upon successful completion, lead to credentials such as a diploma, industry-recognized certificate or licensure, an associate degree, or a baccalaureate degree. The Process provides standards that training providers must meet in order to receive WIA training dollars.

To submit programs for WIA certification in Minnesota, please contact the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development by calling the Employment and Training Program Coordinator at 651-259-7538.

Need more details about WIA?

• Select "Show Workforce Investment Act Programs Only" to search for a Minnesota based WIA certified program.
• Or locate an out-of-state WIA certified Training Provider.
• See Workforce Investment Act Certification Process which outlines Minnesota's State Plan and workforce development services to be carried out under the Act.