Workforce Investment Act Information

Obtaining A WIA Grant to Pursue Lean and/or Six Sigma Training

As one recruiter indicated to us, “There was a time I could present a candidate who only possessed 6 of the 10 skills an employer was seeking, and still successfully place them.Today, employers want 11 of the 10 required skills before they will even look at a candidate. Understanding Lean thinking and Six Sigma problem solving are rapidly becoming required skills in almost every industry and function that I recruit for.”

Adaptive understands the demands of today’s job market and the skills for which employers are looking. If you are in transition, and know learning Lean-thinking and/or Six Sigma problem solving skills will make you more marketable for the positions you desire, the federally funded Workforce Investment Act (WIA) may allow you obtain the necessary training to make you competitive, at no additional cost to yourself.

WIA is a national program that provides grants for unemployed people to improve their job skills, such as Lean-thinking and Six Sigma. The grants go up to $8,000 per person, depending on the career program you are pursuing. The grant covers the cost of classes, tests, training material, and in some cases travel costs. Grants are distributed at the local (usually county) level via local Workforce Development Centers (WDC’s). Program funding is limited; apply as soon as possible. If funds are exhausted, you may have to wait until funds are redistributed at the beginning of the next fiscal year. Once you qualify for the funding, even if you land your next role prior to completing your training, you may still receive the training.

If you meet the following criteria, you may be eligible for WIA funding from your local WDC:

• Reside in the area for at least 6 months.
• In transition for at least 3 months.
• Prove that roles for which you would like to apply require additional training i.e. Lean and/or Six Sigma.

Note: Exact eligibility requirements and fund availability vary from location to location.
For additional information, contact us for a free whitepaper on how to navigate the WIA process.

For those that either are not eligible for WIA funds, or if your local WDC no longer has available funds, contact us to discuss our special discounts created specifically for those in transition.