Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act
W.I.O.A. Services

The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) funds grants to eligible individuals for job skills training. If you’re looking to upgrade your skills, we can help find the funding. In Essex County, there are three ways to establish eligibility:

  1. Dislocated worker: If you’ve lost a job through no fault of your own (company closure, laid off, military spouse relocation), you can qualify. Your prior income has no bearing on your eligibility if you’re a dislocated worker.
  2. Adult income-eligible: If your household income is within the Federal Poverty Level, you may qualify to have your training funded through WIOA.
  3. Youth (Ages 17-24) Out of school youth with specific barriers to employment, including high school dropout, parenting, mental or physical disability, involvement in the juvenile justice or foster care system, homeless or a runaway.

Please see a WIOA eligibility specialist for full list of program qualifiers

How to get started

  1. Register with the Essex County One-Stop. https://jobsource.nj.gov
  2. Call the Essex County We Care Team
    @ 973-395-8000 and let them know you are interested in WIOA Services
  3. Meet with a WIOA Representative to discuss eligibility and schedule your CASAS testing appointment.
  4. Finally, you meet your WIOA Counselor to discuss CASAS results and your employment and training options.

Available Services

  • Training Grants
  • Work Based Learning Opportunities
  • Monthly Workshops
  • VR/Technology Room
  • Career Resource Room
  • Individualized Career Exploration
  • Employer Networking Opportunites
  • GED & Career Testing
  • Supportive Services
  • Youth Resource Center

Participants must provide original documents to their scheduled WIOA eligibility appointments:

CHECKLIST

  • Current Resume
  • Birth Certificate
  • Social Security Card (or certification letter)
  • 2 Week Job Search Form (10 contacts per week)
  • Valid Passport, Green Card, Permanent Residency or Naturalization Form
  • Valid Driver’s License or US Photo ID with Current Address
  • Most Recent Pay Stubs from Employer (must show YTD gross total)
  • Last Employer Pay Stubs (if collecting, UI benefits for less then 6 months)
  • Letter of Termination from Employer
  • Males born in 1960 or after must provide proof of Selective Service Registration (www.sss.gov or bring the DD214 Form)

Children & Guests are NOT Permitted to Attend Eligibility and Testing Appointments.
Note: Participants Must Meet Specific Eligibility and Income Guidelines to receive WIOA Services.

Essex County One-Stop Career Center
50 South Clinton Street, 2nd Floor East Orange, NJ 07018

WIOA Services – 973-395-5936 / WIOA Youth Services – 973-530-9581