Earlier this year, the Department of Labor (DOL) announced that draft regulations expected in January would be delayed until later in the spring, at which point several different Notices of Proposed Rulemaking will be released.
In absence of the expected regulations, however, work continues on WIOA implementation. Last week, DOL issued Training and Employment Guidance Letter (TEGL) No. 19-14, which provides an overview of implementation activity. The TEGL includes three purpose statements; it:
- lays out the department’s vision for a revitalized transformed workforce system as a result of implementation
- encourages workforce system leaders and partners to take action now to support successful implementation to fully realize the vision of WIOA
- provides an overview of upcoming guidance and technical assistance to support effective implementation
In presenting the department’s vision, three key ideas are presented:
- The needs of business and workers drive workfroce solutions.
- One-stop Centers (or American Job Centers) provide excellent customer service to jobseekers and employers and focus on continuous improvement.
- The workforce system supports strong regional economies and plays an active role in community and workforce development.
Throughout these vision statements, strategies such as work-based learning, career pathways, sector partnerships and apprenticeships are highlighted. Shifting to the process of implementation, the department emphasizes alignment across programs and with economic development needs, more strategic investments, data-driven decision making, and strengthening partnerships, including with CTE educators and programs under Perkins.
Most of the WIOA provisions (with the exception of the accountability system and some state plan requirements) will take effect in Program Year 2015, which starts on July 1. In addition to the expected Notices of Proposed Rulemaking, additional guidance, including Operating Instructions, will be issued this spring by DOL. The latest information on WIOA implementation can be found at www.doleta.gov/WIOA.
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