Heavy Equipment Training with Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Grant

The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), signed into law on July 22, 2014, is the first legislative reform of the public workforce system in 15 years and replaced the Job Training Partnership act in 1998. This law provides training for those who have been laid off, are changing career paths or are seeking to improve their skills to secure a new job.

National Training, Inc., is an approved provider of training funded by some State, Regional Workforce Boards. Participants in this program who receive a grant can take our heavy equipment operator training with National for little or no cost.

Services under the WIOA include the “Core,” “Intensive” and “Training” phases. The program also includes Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act grants. Applicants who receive the WIOA grant must complete the first two phases before training can begin.

How to Apply for Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Grants

01. Meet the basic requirements to apply for the training and WIOA grant. You must be either a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident. Applicants must have been laid off, with no opportunity to be rehired to receive training grants.

02. Evaluate your current skills. Anyone having difficulty finding a new job due to inadequate skills is eligible for the WIOA grant.

03. Register for selective service in a WIOA program. Male applicants age 18 to 26 must be registered to be eligible for the WIOA grant (see Resources).

04. Visit a CareerSource Center (see Resources). Express interest in the WIOA grant and ask about a waiting list. Most career centers maintain waiting lists for WIOA applicants and will assign these applicants to WIOA caseworkers as they become available. The wait may last several weeks or months.

05. Use the core services, which include outreach services, job searches, placement assistance and labor market information. As part of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, CareerSource Centers offer these services.

06. Begin the “Intensive” phase. Your caseworker will take you through this phase, which includes preparing your application, assessing your career and making an employment plan.

07. Provide documents to support your application. You will need to show your driver’s license, Social Security card, birth certificate or passport, notification of your layoff, notice of eligibility for unemployment insurance, a completed job application and a resume, and financial eligibility.

08. Use the WIOA training services. Once you have received approval for your WIOA grant, select a training provider and begin occupational training.