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1998, the Workforce Investment Act was signed into law.
The intent of the Act is to provide workforce development services
to employers and job seekers through a seamless One-Stop service
delivery system. These services are intended to meet both employer
demands for a skilled workforce and to increase the employment,
retention and earnings of job seekers. The Workforce Investment Act was built around
five key principles:
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Ensure a strong leadership role
for business through business-led boards with total authority
to plan, oversee, and change the workforce system at the state
and local levels. In northern Nevada, this is the Nevadaworks
Council whose Chair and Chair-elect are from the local business
community;
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Streamline employer and individual
services in a One-Stop environment that gives all who enter
the help needed without complications or problems. In Nevada,
this One-Stop system is known as Nevada JobConnect.
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Empower job seekers to choose
training through a system that coordinates with the needs of
employers;
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Provide universal access to the
workforce development system; and
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Strengthen accountability through
a system of continuous improvement.
The Workforce Investment Act
is only the initial framework for creating a world-class workforce
development system. The success of the system will depend on:
Continued private sector involvement in and use of the system as
Council members and as users of JobConnect;
Collaboration among the various agencies and partners who must work
together toward the common goal of helping all involved in developing
steady, self-sustaining and improving employment; and
A dedicated, competent, professional staff at all levels of the
system.
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