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The Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (WIA) provides the framework for a national workforce preparation and employment system and funds a number of employment and training programs. On July 1, 2000, WIA replaced the Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA).
The primary purpose of the WIA is to increase the employment, retention, skills and earnings of participants. Services are provided to employers and job seekers, including adults, dislocated workers and youth. These programs help prepare individuals with disabilities to participate in the workforce, increase their employment and earnings potential, improve their educational and occupational skills, and reduce their dependency on welfare. The WIA has supported the development of 23 Career Centers across Maine.
Maine's recently developed Career Center system represents a response to the challenge of being able to successfully compete in a global economy by providing all people the opportunity to continually upgrade their skills. The "one stop" Career Center system combines a wide range of employment services and labor market information under one roof within a community, reducing administrative duplication and increasing convenience for customers.
These Career Centers are governed by the philosophies of:
- Universal access;
- Customer choice;
- Program Integration; and
- Accountability.
The Career Center system offers expanded options for both the job seeker and employer and the freedom to choose the services that best meet their needs.
Maine's 23 Career Centers are places where any job seeker can walk in off the street and find a library of resources, workshops, job listing, and individualized services.
Due to these integrated employment services, there is no "wrong door".
Regardless where the person enters the system, he or she should be able to find the right source of help or training. Employers can get assistance to address their workplace needs, as well.
Reasonable accommodations and/or auxiliary aids are available to assure access and participation in training and other services offered at these Career Centers. Individuals who participate are often clients of other agencies as well. Therefore, resources are often shared to provide the accommodations and services necessary to achieve employment and training objectives.
Tim McLellan, Acting Director
Bureau of Employment Services
Department of Labor
55 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333-0055
Phone: 207 624-6390
Fax: 207 624-6499