The Monmouth County Division of Workforce Development is the administrative entity for the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) and employs the staff of the Workforce Development Program. These Workforce Development programs are tailored to suit the needs of both employers and jobseekers in Monmouth County. By helping the unemployed or underemployed find work that’s right for them, and matching employers up with workers who have the training and skills their businesses require, these programs help bolster economic growth in Monmouth County and the surrounding regional service area.

The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)

The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) was signed into law by President Obama on July 22, 2014. This law supersedes the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) which was authorized in 1998. The main objectives of this Act are to focus on improving the quality of the workforce, reducing welfare dependency, increasing economic self-sufficiency, meeting skills requirements of employers, and enhancing the productivity and competitiveness of the nation.

WIOA emphasizes creating career pathways for individuals through a combination of career counseling, vocational training, on the job training and apprenticeships. Local Workforce Development Areas are responsible for identifying career clusters and in-demand jobs specific to their region. Not only will this result in individuals reaching and maintaining economic self-sufficiency, but employers will have more skilled workers to help their companies succeed in the global economy.