Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)
ATTENTION Residents of Escambia and Santa Rosa counties in Florida (Region 1) – CareerSource Escarosa!!!
The WIOA Program will hold another in-person information session on Friday, January 30, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. This will be at our Pensacola location at 6913 N. 9th Avenue, Pensacola, FL 32504. Please arrive 15-30 minutes early to check in. Those wishing to pursue training under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act must choose a program from our Approved Training Programs & Providers List CLICK HERE.
After the meeting, those wishing to pursue WIOA eligibility must complete a full registration with current information and resume on www.employflorida.com (EF) to move forward in the process. You must also have an acceptance letter to a training program on the WIOA eligible list. You would then email me, stating you are fully registered on EF and attaching your acceptance letter.
If everything is in order, then you will request to be scheduled to take the Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE) assessment. All candidates must score a minimum 9th grade equivalent on the “A” level exam in Reading, Math, and Language. This assessment will be offered on Fridays at 8:30 AM at our 9th Avenue office. You must receive a referral from me to test.
ATTENTION Residents outside Escambia and Santa Rosa counties. Please refer to the map below for your CareerSource Florida region. Please search the internet for contact information and call your region for assistance.
What is the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act?
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. WIOA presents an extraordinary opportunity to improve job and career options for our nation’s workers and job-seekers through an integrated, job-driven public workforce system that links diverse talent to businesses. It supports the development of strong, vibrant regional economies where businesses thrive and people want to live and work.
The three main goals of the program are to improve the quality of workforce, reduce welfare dependency, and enhance the productivity and competitiveness of the nation’s economy. These goals can all be accomplished by providing the appropriate resources, training and support services to individuals with significant barriers to obtaining or retaining employment in an occupation that will enable them to become self-sufficient.
What educational opportunities are available through WIOA?
Individuals interested in training for a new career may be eligible for assistance through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act. Available services are based on need determination and includes: tuition assistance (up to $9,000 per program), books allowance, uniforms/supplies and vocational guidance.
How do I know if I am eligible?
In order to be eligible for the services listed above, you must fall into one of the following categories:
Dislocated Worker – Individuals who have been recently laid off or received notification of upcoming layoff. CLICK HERE to see additional details to determine if you fall into this category.
WIOA Adult – Individuals between the ages of 18-72 who do not meet the criteria for WIOA Youth or a Dislocated Worker. Must be unemployed or employed at or below 200 percent of the Lower Living Standard Income Level (LLSIL), according to family size. CLICK HERE to view the LLSIL chart to determine if you qualify.
Are there any limitations on programs or schools I can choose for training?
Eligible individuals wishing to pursue training under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act must choose a program from our Approved Training Programs & Providers List. CLICK HERE
Is your organization interested in becoming a training provider or are you a provider that needs to renew eligibility? If so, please see the following documentation to apply or renew:
Local Targeted Occupation List
Training Provider Application & Renewal Request
Local Contact:
Dr. Damarcus Smith, WIOA Program Manager
Phone: (850)-285-0270
Email: WIOA@careersourceescarosa.com