Workforce Opportunity Innovative Act (WIOA)
The Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act (WIOA) is a federally-funded program designed to empower jobseekers to meet the needs and demands of the labor market.program The program gives job seekers access to information and services related to employment, education and training (through the ETPL), resources and community agency referrals. Through the WIOA program, job seekers can get individualized support from a counselor on resume and cover letter writing, interview tips, career planning, job search strategies, job referrals, free access to on-the-job training and occupational training based on availability and suitability. In Alameda County, the WIOA program is governed by the Alameda County Workforce Development Board (ACWDB). Priority is given to veterans and eligible spouses, recipients of public assistance, individuals with low incomes, justice-impacted individuals, people with disabilities, those who are basic skills deficient, long-term unemployed, older adults (55+), refugees/asylees, and members of the LGBTQ+ community. Please inform our staff if you identify with any of these priority groups.
WIOA eligibility:
• Job seekers must be 18 years of age or older
• Job seekers must provide a copy of California Drivers License, State ID, US Passport, or US Birth Certificate
• Job seekers must provide a copy of Social Security card
• Job seekers must provide a copy of Selective Service letter for males or non-citizen, born after 1/1/1960 to retrieve this info go to (www.sss.gov )
• Job seekers must provide a copy of the EDD Award letter if they filed, are receiving or exhausted Unemployment Insurance (EDD) within the last 6 months.
To enroll in the WIOA program, attend our WIOA orientation (check out our calendar for the next WIOA orientation) at our career center, or submit the WIOA application at our AJCC to be contacted for an intake appointment. Please don’t forget to notify staff of your priority status for expedited services via email, phone or live chat. Job seekers must have a CalJOBS account to enroll in the WIOA program.
Priority of Services
At the AJCC, we are committed to supporting veterans and their families by providing priority access to career services through the WIOA program. Our Priority of Service policy ensures that veterans and eligible spouses receive enhanced access to resources, programs, and services to help them achieve their career goals and thrive in today’s competitive job market. This means veterans and eligible spouses are given first access to services and training programs funded under WIOA. When resources are limited, they are prioritized over non-veterans for enrollment in job training and employment services.
Priority of Service is available to veterans who have served at least one day in active military, naval, or air service and were discharged under conditions other than dishonorable. Eligible spouses include those of a veteran who died of a service-connected disability, a member of the Armed Forces who is missing in action or forcibly detained, or a veteran with a total and permanent service-connected disability.
The benefits of Priority of Service include expedited access to WIOA-funded programs such as training, career counseling, and supportive services. Veterans and eligible spouses receive job search assistance, including access to job boards, hiring events, and networking opportunities tailored specifically to them. Skills development programs help align military experience with civilian career pathways, and financial support for training may be available depending on funding. Additionally, support services such as transportation assistance are provided to ensure success in training and employment.
To access services, veterans and eligible spouses should self-identify to AJCC staff to receive Priority of Service. Staff will then schedule an intake enrollment appointment and provide guidance on the necessary documentation, such as a DD-214 form or other supporting documents, to verify eligibility.