MICHAEL L. THURMOND
COMMISSIONER

1. Acknowledgements & Information Guide Overview

2. The Workforce Investment Act (WIA)

3. Georgia’s ITA Eligible Provider List (EPL)

4. EPL/WIA benefits to Training Providers

5. Key Principles of the ITA/EPL System

1. Philosophy of “Informed Customer Choice”

2. The Individual Training Account 

3. Local Workforce Investment Boards & Local Policy

4. What is a “Program”

5. What is a “Consumer Report Card”

6. The “Initial” Application Process – Local & State

7. Maintaining/Subsequent Eligibility

8. Losing Eligibility

9. Updating “Consumer Report Card” Information

10. Training Provider Liability

11. Marketing to Potential Customers

6. Non-ITA Activities Statewide 

7. Contact Person

Attachment - 2007-2008 Subsequent Eligibility Standards

Unemployment Insurance (UI) Wage File Verifications

I.                  Acknowledgements & Information Guide Overview

This information guide, developed by the Georgia Department of Labor (GDOL), describes two key features of Georgia’s Workforce Investment Act (WIA) system, the Individual Training Account (ITA) and the Eligible Provider/Program List (EPL).  We acknowledge the insightful contributions of local WIA staff, GDOL Career Center staff, and other workforce partners for their invaluable and unique insights which helped shape a truly accountable and customer friendly system.  

II.               The Workforce Investment Act (WIA)

The 1998 federal Workforce Investment Act (WIA) mandated significant changes in the delivery of employment, training, literacy, and vocational rehabilitation programs.  The WIA represents the first major reform of the nation’s job training system since 1982, replacing the Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA).

WIA is designed to assist youth and adult job seekers in becoming employable in a self-sufficient occupation of their interest, resulting in long-term self-sufficiency.  A network of "one-stop centers" has been created where various human service organizations are represented and available to assist all Georgians.  Available services at no cost to individuals include core services such as career counseling, exploration of training/ education offerings, job search, financial aid application, etc.  In some instances, occupational classroom training, on-the-job training, customized training, etc. may also be available at no cost to customers. Georgia is divided into 20 local Workforce Investment Areas, each governed by a local Workforce Investment Board (WIB) and each offering the services mentioned above.  A listing of their administrative offices can be found at: http://www/pdf/wia/wia_administrators.pdf. 

III.           Georgia’s ITA Eligible Provider List (EPL)

This EPL represents a fundamental change in our workforce investment system that promotes customer self-reliance and initiative, coupled with a market and performance driven slate of training programs.  The system is based on the WIA principles of   streamlined services via physical and electronic one-stop centers, universal access to all Georgians, empowered customers through informed decision making, increased accountability of providers and customers, and state and local flexibility in implementing the legislation.

Mandated by the WIA, the EPL is a publicly available statewide list of training providers who qualify to receive ITA funds for their approved programs.  To be listed, the training provider’s program must be evaluated and approved by a local WIB.

Hosted by Georgia State University and accessible at:  http://www.gcic.edu/gawia/, the automated ITA/EPL system currently lists over 180 ITA training providers and over 5,800 approved ITA programs of study statewide.  Each of the State’s 12 planning regions and 20 local WIA areas have multiple approved ITA programs of study listed from their area. There are sorting functions available by program of study, institution name, and geographical area or key word search.  There are also available hyperlinks to all local WIA Area home pages/contacts, Georgia Labor Market Explorer, training institution Websites, etc.  (See V.6 for additional information.)

IV.            EPL/WIA benefits to Training Providers

Through the EPL, providers have an opportunity at government expense to expand their statewide outreach to individuals who are currently employed seeking to upgrade skills, job seekers attempting to enter the workforce, exiting high school students, etc.   Approved programs are publicly displayed on the State’s automated ITA/EPL system, marketed at career one-stop centers, community partner agencies, etc., providing an advantage over “unlisted” competitors. 

Additional benefits include an opportunity to share “bragging rights” by posting performance data on the Internet, allowing career advisors to “share your story” with potential WIA funded customers and seizing the attention of employers seeking training for their own employees.

All of the above are provided at no cost to providers!

V.               Key Principles of the ITA/EPL System

1.         Philosophy of “Informed Customer Choice”

A key philosophical foundation of the WIA is “informed customer choice”.  Shifting to an approved ITA program/provider system requires WIA career advisors to assist customers to make informed choices regarding career paths and training.  Staff may inform customers and facilitate career decisions; however, the ultimate decision rests with the customer within defined local policies and parameters.  The primary role is to provide customers with guidance and feedback from assessment that can help them understand their needs and choices prior to selection of a training program/provider.

An ITA may be provided after an assessment of customer needs, demand occupations, local WIB policies and selection of a training program and after consultation with a career advisor.  Depending upon local policy, the ITA may be approved by a customer’s career advisor, a committee, a representative of a local board, or other mechanisms.  This process will reflect what is determined locally to provide the appropriate balance between accountability for training funds and effective customer service.

Each WIB will define local criteria and the process by which individuals can access an Individual Training Account.  Criteria for issuing ITAs is based on critical local workforce needs, e.g., economic development priorities, occupations in demand in the area, expected wage levels, funds available, performance parameters, etc., so long as criteria are reasonable and uniformly applied.  Even if it is determined that WIA ITA funding is not appropriate for a customer, local one-stop centers will still assist customers with financial aid application (i.e., Pell, Hope, Sallie Mae, etc.) and other services.

2.         The Individual Training Account (ITA)

An Individual Training Account (ITA) is essentially a voucher given to adult customers who need occupational skills training to become gainfully employed or re-employed. Supported by assessment and informed decision-making, customers may use their WIA-funded ITAs to purchase training slots in any program on the eligible program/provider list.  Local Workforce Investment Boards (WIBs) may establish monetary and time limits for such vouchers.  Additionally, local WIBs will identify local training needs identified by area businesses, as will be noted in their respective local WIA plans.

3.         Local Workforce Investment Boards & Local Policy

Georgia’s 20 WIBs are statutorily allowed to set local policy regarding which customers and programs they prioritize when expending limited WIA training funds, monetary and time limits for participation in programs and ITAs issued, etc.  Therefore, customers will have the opportunity to choose any of the eligible programs/providers from the statewide list, pursuant to local funding requisites and/or policies.  A local WIB may choose not to pay for approved training with WIA ITA funds based on its locally determined need for that training, labor market information, cost and performance limits, etc.  These local policies vary for each Workforce area and providers are encouraged to contact the area(s) of their choice to explore these policies. 

4.         What is a “Program”

Based on WIA regulations, a “program” is defined as:

1)      One or more courses or classes that, upon successful completion, leads to:

§         A certificate, an associate degree, or baccalaureate degree, or

§         A competency or skill recognized by employers,

2)      A training regimen that provides individuals with additional skills or competencies generally recognized by employers.

If any version of a program subsequently differs from its approved form in terms of its objectives, geographic location, curriculum, or mode of delivery (e.g. classroom, Internet, correspondence), that version is considered sufficiently different to require separate approval.

5.         What is a “Consumer Report Card”

The consumer report card (CRC) system contains information necessary for adults and adult dislocated workers to choose a program of training services.  Determining factors may include, but are not limited to overall performance of the program, placement wage expectations, program duration, location or cost, etc.

The consumer report card data base will have direct electronic hyperlink access to the provider institution (if available), program descriptions, requisite entry criteria, provider credentials, costs, etc.  These profiles detail information about the character of the institution and will assist customers and career advisors with making informed choices. 

6.         The “Initial Eligibility” Application Process (Local & State)

[Note:  Only for programs not currently approved on the States approved EPL]  

For providers wishing to have an occupational skills training program “initially” (i.e., for the first time) approved for ITA funds, the WIA requires applications be first submitted to and evaluated by a Local Workforce Investment Board (LWIB) of their choice - they then recommend (hopefully) the program to GDOL for statewide review and approval.  Applications need only be made with one LWIB for possible inclusion on the "statewide" eligible provider/program (EPL) list.  Once approved on the statewide EPL, an approved program is available to all Georgia WIBs and cooperative states.

A generic application and instructions can be accessed on our Web site at: http://www.gcic.edu/gawia/ .  This site also lists all currently approved programs.  The Web site at http://www/pdf/wia/wia_administrators.pdf   identifies the local WIBs with whom providers may apply.  In most cases, providers are able to transmit the same to them electronically.  Be advised that some local WIBs they may request additional information of providers. 

To streamline services, two metropolitan LWIBs ( Dekalb County and Fulton County ) have contracted with the Atlanta Regional Commission/Area 7 to handle the ITA Provider Application process.  If applying there, providers may access their application format at: http://www.atlantaregional.com [Choose "Workforce Solutions", then "Training & Youth Provider Resources", and "Training Providers" at the left hand menu]. 

Remember that the WIA requires that programs, not providers, be approved for ITAs.   Therefore, prospective training providers must submit an application for each course of study.  The application will request information on programs, cost and past performance.

7.         Maintaining/Subsequent Eligibility

The Workforce Investment Act requires a redetermination of ITA program eligibility through a “subsequent eligibility” process every twelve months.  For a program to remain eligible to receive ITA funds for new enrollments after April 30^th of each year, the State is required to compare program-level performance outcomes against established minimum standards (see the attached table).  

The GDOL accepts applications for subsequent eligibility status on/about February 28^th of each year.  Providers are asked to complete an application with attention given to each proposed program.  These Subsequent Eligibility applications only address programs currently approved on the Eligible Provider/Program List that are seeking reapproval.

If providers of currently approved ITA programs are interested in proposing new training offerings, providers should refer to the “initial eligibility” requirements described above. 

If reapproved, a program’s subsequent eligibility will extend through April 30^th of each year (barring actions under V.8 to follow).  Separate applications and instructions are forwarded to providers of currently approved ITA programs each February.  [Please note important Federal “all student” reporting requirements described on page 11.]

8.         Losing Program Eligibility

The Georgia Department of Labor will be responsible for the development, operation and maintenance of the statewide Internet-based eligible training provider list and certified programs.  This list will contain specific consumer information for each certified program.  Providers may be removed under the following conditions.

q       If inaccurate information regarding a program is intentionally supplied to the local WIB or Georgia Department of Labor, a termination of eligibility may occur.  The termination will remain in effect for a minimum of one (1) year;

q       If the local WIB or Georgia Department of Labor determines that an eligible provider has substantially violated any requirements under the Act, the providers must commence corrective action as deemed appropriate or risk program removal;

q       Failure to reapply under subsequent eligibility procedures.  If providers do not submit programs for reapplication, those programs will be removed from the list; or

q       If a provider’s program fails to meet or exceed minimum established local and State performance levels, the provider’s eligibility to receive funds for that program may be suspended by the Georgia Department of Labor, after consultation with the local WIB, for a period of not less than one (1) year.

Aggrieved providers will always have access to local and state appeals processes in such instances.

9.         Updating “Consumer Report Card” Information

During the subsequent year after annual approval, any substantial changes to a program must be submitted to the local WIB first approving the program.  Substantial changes may include program objectives, geographic locations, curriculum or mode of delivery, program duration, cost, entry requisites.  After local WIB consideration and approval, information will be electronically transmitted to the State for approval consideration and EPL updating which will occur, at a minimum, quarterly.

10.       Training Provider Liability

A training provider may be held liable if a customer or WIB can substantiate the training received was inadequate based on the course description and/or the performance data was overstated.  The remedy could include additional training, refund to the fiscal agent of amounts paid, or debarment from the EPL.  Aggrieved providers will always have access to local and state appeals processes in such instances.

11.       Marketing to Potential Customers

Another philosophical shift resulting from the WIA enactment is the market driven nature of the ITA system.  In contrast to past JTPA procurements where only a few training providers would competitively secure large grants ensuring multiple referrals, eligible programs now compete against each other to attract customer interest.  There is no guarantee a customer will ever select a particular provider and thus training programs in demand occupations with successful results will surely attract more customers.

The GDOL and local WIA one-stop centers statewide welcome the opportunity to display any acceptable training provider promotional materials in their resource rooms for customer browsing.  

To contact local WIB administrators, access: http://www/pdf/wia/wia_administrators.pdf 

to view an identifying grid.  From the Georgia Department of Labor's home page at www.dol.state.ga.us , you may also access/choose Local Career Centers at the middle left.  There you will find a grid identifying all GDOL Career Centers statewide.

VI.     Non-ITA Activities Statewide

The Georgia Department of Labor (GDOL) is a close and vital partner to those entities who provide non-ITA activities to adult and youths.  In fact, GDOL oversees the administration of Workforce Investment Act (WIA) activities throughout the State.  These activities are delivered through 20 local Workforce Investment Boards (WIBs) across Georgia.

Each of these WIB's receives federal funding through the GDOL and procures non-ITA service providers separately.  Often, this procurement is required to be competitive in nature and the processes and timetables they utilize differ from one to another.  The best way to ascertain the specifics about each would be to contact them directly.  Access:    http://www/pdf/wia/wia_administrators.pdf  to view a grid identifying the key contacts for all 20 WIBs.  When contacting them, prospective providers should establish they are interested in being placed on their local bidders list and would like to be notified of any WIA and WtW procurement actions to come.        

VII.   Contact Person

Please forward any ITA related questions to Alan Carson at:  Georgia Department of Labor; 148 Andrew Young International Blvd., Suite 650, Atlanta, Georgia 30303 or via email at alan.carson@dol.state.ga.us.   

 [ Attachment from Section V(7) ]

 2006 Subsequent Eligibility Standards

Unemployment Insurance (UI) Wage File Verifications

The Federal Workforce Investment Act (WIA) requires States to use student social security numbers and Unemployment Insurance Wage File matching data to verify employment and wage rate outcomes of all programs seeking subsequent (i.e., renewed) ITA eligibility. 

GDOL recognizes all confidentiality protections and allowable exceptions established under the Family Education Rights Protection Act, the Georgia Open Records Act and other applicable laws and fully understands apprehensions that providers may have.  Unfortunately, the Federal requisite remains in force.

 To protect and ease concerns of providers, the GDOL hereby assures proposing training providers that in accordance with allowable regulatory exception provisions, the student social security numbers transmitted and resulting Unemployment Insurance Wage File matching data will:

(1)                 only be used to prepare aggregate program performance reports as required under section 122 of WIA;

(2)                 not be redisclosed in any personally identifiable form;

(3)                 be safe guarded while GDOL is in possession of the same; and

(4)                 be destroyed when no longer needed for the purposes of complying with the WIA.

Per the ITA Subsequent Eligibility application issued each year and in accordance with WIA requisites and GDOL assurance, training providers MUST report the social security numbers [no names], award level and award date of ALL (not just WIA-funded) Student Completers from the performance period reported for Each Proposed Program of Study.  

Therefore, it is important that providers initiate a process to capture the above student data for ALL Students once programs are initially approved, if subsequent eligibility is to be considered the following year.