WIA Adult and Dislocated Worker Programs

Through the Workforce Investment Act Program, our office provides workforce development services to low-income adults and dislocated workers.

Stop by the Resource Room in Building S, Room S202, and take advantage of computers with Internet access, online employment services, job listings, office software to develop your resume, fax machine, phones, copier, print materials, videos, and other employment-related resources to help with the job search process.

Core Services

Core services are mainly informational services. They are usually self-directed and do not involve staff assistance. The Resource Room and online services available at the Illinois workNet Center are examples of core services offered through the WIA program. Core services are free and do not require eligibility.

Intensive Services

Intensive services involve working with a staff member either individually or in small groups, and developing an individual employment plan. To access these services, persons must qualify as an eligible WIA participant and be formally enrolled in the program.

Training Services

Vocational training programs are available after formal enrollment and an assessment by a case manager. Some training may not be funded if local labor market data does not indicate sufficient wages and a positive growth rate within the occupation or industry. Training funds cover tuition, books, and fees, and is paid for through a WIA voucher. The amount of training funds is dependent on the wage levels of the occupation you are training for, and varies from $2,500 up to a maximum of $8,000. Training may be taken at Moraine Valley or at another certified WIA training provider. Simply click on the "consumer" button and then choose "search the statewide list of providers."

American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) Dislocated Worker Stimulus Grant

Moraine Valley has a received a $501,693 grant to help workers who have lost their jobs get training or new career opportunities. The grant through the Cook County President’s Office of Employment Training is funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

The grant runs through April 2010 and is designed to quickly address the needs of workers who have lost their jobs and the priorities of the recovery act that emphasize training for high demand, high-paying jobs in growth industries, including “green” jobs. The four-phase program includes assessment, pre-vocational training, career training, and job placement assistance. A major focus of the program is to serve veterans who are out of work.

Interested individuals are encouraged to complete an online application. For more information, contact the Moraine Illinois workNet Center at (708) 974-5738.

Walmart Brighter Futures Project

Moraine Valley is one of eight community colleges in the nation selected to participate in the Walmart Brighter Futures project. This national demonstration project is designed to assist community colleges in meeting the increasing need for training and services for dislocated workers. The Walmart Brighter Futures Project is funded through a $3.5 million grant from the Walmart Foundation to the League for Innovation in the Community College to work with a select group of eight community colleges to develop programs and services to put displaced workers back to work. The resulting programs and services will then serve as a model for other community colleges facing the same need to increase their offerings as a result of the economic downturn.

Each selected community college will receive up to $336,500 to provide training and services for dislocated workers that will help put them back to work. The training will focus on jobs requiring 21st century skills in an effort to provide a promising career future for the workers. In addition to specific job training, displaced workers will receive career counseling and job acquisition skills such as job search, résumé writing, and interviewing techniques. Participants also will receive funds for tuition, books and other expenses associated with continuing their education.

Interested individuals are encouraged to complete an online application. For more information, contact the Moraine Illinois workNet Center at (708) 974-5738.