WIOA

Job and Training Support Through WIOA

If you live in the Bay Consortium region, you may qualify for no-cost support to help you build skills, explore career options, prepare for work, and connect with local employers.

WIOA Can Help You

If you qualify, WIOA services may include:

Career Counseling & Planning

One-on-one guidance to help you identify your strengths and set career goals.

Job Training & Education

Access to approved training programs, certifications, and occupational courses.

Job Search Assistance

Resume help, interview prep, job referrals, and connections to local employers.

Supportive Services

Assistance with transportation, childcare, or other barriers that may affect your ability to train.

Explore Training Pathways

Explore in-demand career pathways and learn about training opportunities, example careers, salary potential, and local employers in the Bay Consortium region.

Select a career pathway

Selected pathway

Healthcare

Healthcare roles are in high demand across the Bay Consortium - from direct patient care to medical support services. WIOA may help eligible participants access training for entry-level and advancing healthcare careers.

Training may include

  • Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
  • Medical Assistant
  • EHR Systems
  • Phlebotomy
  • CPR / First Aid Certification

Career examples

  • Medical Assistant
  • Home Health Aide
  • Certified Nursing Assistant
  • Patient Care Technician
  • Medical Office Specialist

Skills you may build

  • Patient care fundamentals
  • Medical terminology
  • HIPAA compliance
  • Basic clinical skills
  • Health records management
AI

Your WIOA-funded program may include AI literacy and tools training.

Typical pay*

Starting out

around $28,000/year

With experience

$50,000+/year

Regional employers may include

Hospitals and health systems, outpatient medical clinics, assisted living facilities, home health agencies

Training options depend on eligibility, approved programs, and individual career goals.

Selected pathway

Information Technology

Technology roles support businesses, schools, healthcare organizations, and government offices across the Bay Consortium. WIOA may help eligible participants explore training options for entry-level and advancing IT careers.

Training may include

  • CompTIA A+
  • IT Support / Help Desk
  • Network Fundamentals
  • Cybersecurity Basics
  • Microsoft & Google Certifications

Career examples

  • Help Desk Technician
  • IT Support Specialist
  • Network Support Technician
  • Junior Cybersecurity Analyst
  • Systems Support Specialist

Skills you may build

  • Hardware & software troubleshooting
  • Customer support skills
  • Basic networking
  • Security awareness
  • Cloud fundamentals
AI

Your WIOA-funded program may include AI literacy and tools training.

Typical pay*

Starting out

around $51,000/year

With experience

$99,000+/year

Regional employers may include

Healthcare organizations, local and state government agencies, school systems, financial institutions, private businesses

Training options depend on eligibility, approved programs, and individual career goals.

Selected pathway

Skilled Trades

Skilled trades are foundational to the Bay Consortium economy. WIOA may support training for hands-on careers in construction, electrical, HVAC, plumbing, and more.

Training may include

  • OSHA 10 / OSHA 30
  • Electrical Fundamentals
  • Plumbing Basics
  • HVAC Introduction
  • Construction Safety

Career examples

  • Electrician Apprentice
  • HVAC Technician
  • Plumber's Helper
  • Carpenter
  • Maintenance Technician

Skills you may build

  • Tool safety and operation
  • Blueprint reading
  • Construction math
  • Safety protocols
  • Trade-specific techniques
AI

Your WIOA-funded program may include AI literacy and tools training.

Typical pay*

Starting out

around $40,000/year

With experience

$78,000+/year

Regional employers may include

General and specialty contractors, electrical and HVAC firms, utility companies, home builders and developers

Training options depend on eligibility, approved programs, and individual career goals.

Selected pathway

Manufacturing

Manufacturing jobs offer stable careers with room to grow. WIOA may help eligible job seekers access training for production, quality control, and equipment operation roles.

Training may include

  • Forklift Certification
  • Manufacturing Safety (OSHA)
  • Quality Control Basics
  • Basic Machining
  • Production Operations

Career examples

  • Production Worker
  • Forklift Operator
  • Quality Inspector
  • Machine Operator
  • Warehouse Associate

Skills you may build

  • Safety protocols
  • Equipment operation
  • Quality standards
  • Team coordination
  • Production processes
AI

Your WIOA-funded program may include AI literacy and tools training.

Typical pay*

Starting out

around $35,000/year

With experience

$62,000+/year

Regional employers may include

Food processing and packaging companies, industrial manufacturers, defense and marine fabrication facilities, distribution warehouses

Training options depend on eligibility, approved programs, and individual career goals.

Selected pathway

Transportation & Logistics

Transportation and logistics careers keep the Bay Consortium's economy moving. WIOA may support training for commercial driving, warehousing, and supply chain roles.

Training may include

  • CDL Preparation
  • Transportation Safety
  • Logistics Fundamentals
  • DOT Regulations
  • Forklift / Warehouse Ops

Career examples

  • CDL Truck Driver
  • Delivery Driver
  • Warehouse Associate
  • Logistics Coordinator
  • Fleet Support Technician

Skills you may build

  • Vehicle and road safety
  • Route planning
  • DOT compliance
  • Load management
  • Inventory tracking
AI

Your WIOA-funded program may include AI literacy and tools training.

Typical pay*

Starting out

around $35,000/year

With experience

$63,000+/year

Regional employers may include

Regional trucking and freight carriers, distribution and fulfillment centers, delivery service providers, logistics firms

Training options depend on eligibility, approved programs, and individual career goals.

Selected pathway

Business & Office Support

Business and office support roles exist across every industry in the Bay Consortium. WIOA may help eligible participants build office skills, earn certifications, and connect with local employers.

Training may include

  • Microsoft Office Suite
  • QuickBooks Basics
  • Customer Service Skills
  • Business Writing
  • Data Entry & Records

Career examples

  • Administrative Assistant
  • Customer Service Rep
  • Office Manager
  • Bookkeeper
  • Receptionist

Skills you may build

  • Computer proficiency
  • Professional communication
  • Organization & scheduling
  • Record keeping
  • Office software
AI

Your WIOA-funded program may include AI literacy and tools training.

Typical pay*

Starting out

around $32,000/year

With experience

$62,000+/year

Regional employers may include

Local governments and agencies, healthcare administrative offices, nonprofit organizations, law and professional services firms

Training options depend on eligibility, approved programs, and individual career goals.

* Pay figures are estimates based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS, May 2025) data for Virginia. Actual wages vary by employer, experience, and location.

How to Get Started

We’re here to help you take the next step.

1

Find a Job Center

Visit a local American Job Center or connect with staff online to get started.

2

Meet with a Career Advisor

We’ll learn about your goals and help determine eligibility for services.

3

Create Your Plan

Together, we’ll build a plan for training and career success tailored to you.

4

Access Training & Support

Get the training, resources, and employer connections you need to succeed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about WIOA eligibility, services, and how to get started.

Who is eligible for WIOA services?

Eligibility depends on the program. Generally, adults 18 and older, dislocated workers who have lost jobs through no fault of their own, and youth ages 16–24 may qualify. A career advisor can help determine your eligibility based on your situation.

Is there really no cost for WIOA training?

WIOA may fund training for eligible participants at approved training providers. The amount of support depends on your eligibility and the program. A career advisor can walk you through what may be covered in your situation.

How long does WIOA-funded training last?

Training length varies depending on the program and your individual plan. Some certifications can be earned in a few weeks; others may take months. Your career advisor will help you identify programs that fit your timeline and goals.

What is an American Job Center

American Job Centers are local offices where job seekers can access employment services, meet with career advisors, use computers for job searching, and connect with training opportunities. The Bay Consortium region has multiple job center locations.

Ready to explore your opportunities?

Contact your local Job Center today and let us help you build your future.

Find a Job Center