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DECS Menu The Workforce Investment Act of 1998, known as WIA, gives state and local officials new authority and flexibility for using federal job training aid to set up market-driven workforce investment systems in every community. This initiative brings public systems providing services such as post-secondary technical training, employment, job search assistance, job training, retraining, adult literacy, and other labor market aids together with closer links to the realities of changing job markets. Under WIA, adults and dislocated workers aged 18 years and over receive increasing levels of service through WIN Job Centers. The intent of the WIN Job Center is to simplify all programs under a single, comprehensive system. WIN Job Centers are centrally located to provide easy access to many services in one convenient location.
WIA is an equal opportunity employer/program. Auxiliary aids and services available upon request.
How do WIN Job Centers benefit businesses?
WIN Job Center employer services:
Basic labor-exchange services
Database of qualified workers
Internet access to post job listings and review resumes
Recruiting and screening of job candidates
Assistance with writing job descriptions
Proficiency testing for employees
Training information
Private rooms for interviews
Up-to-date labor market data and wage information
Information of Work Opportunity Tax Credits (WOTC)
Information or Rapid Response services
Form/guidance for filing a North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) or Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) petition
Information on NAFTA and TAA benefits for employees
Information on the On-The-Job Training program
How do employers qualify?
All employers qualify who:
Offer a full-time position
Have an IRS identification number
Have a worker’s compensation or equivalent insurance in effect during the duration of the OJT contract
Maintain an adequate system of bookkeeping to track time, attendance and invoicing for reimbursement
Meet other guidelines specified in the Workforce Investment Board’s OJT Policy
What must employers provide to participate?
Employers must provide
The number of new employees
Job titles, descriptions, and skill levels
Minimum qualification for each job title
Entry-level wage rate for each job title
The hiring decision and selection of the trainee
A monthly invoice for reimbursement of the training cost
Training for the new employee according to the company’s specification
What is On-The-Job Training?
On-The-Job Training partners employers and job seekers in providing training for eligible individuals and companies. Companies of all sizes can benefit from this training. On-the-Job Training reimburses the employer up to 50 percent of the wage rate of the new employee to cover the extraordinary costs of providing training and supervision. The maximum time that an employer can be reimbursed for a new OJT employee is based on the skill level of the job and content of the training.
What does the OJT Specialist provide?
The OJT Specialist provides:
The appropriate contract with a training outline for the trainee
Referral of eligible job seekers for an interview
Follow-up with the employer and trainee to ensure satisfaction and progress
Dislocated Worker Program
The goal of the program is to increase the number of dislocated workers being served by the community and junior colleges. Many dislocated workers are failing to receive needed training and education. The mission of the program is to be the direct link between the dislocated worker and all community and junior college resources available and to enable these individuals to obtain needed quality education or training.
How do employers get started?
Employers may contact a On-The-Job Training specialist, at 662.620.5161. The OJT specialist will work with the employer to develop a contract that outlines training requirements.
How do WIN Job Centers benefit job seekers?
WIN Job Centers services:
Job search and placement assistance
Internet access for job searches
Access to office equipment: computer, fax, copier
Software to assist in resume preparation
Information on interviewing
Career and aptitude assessment
Labor market information
Information on education and training
Information on assistance for laid-off workers
Unemployment insurance benefits
Information on NAFTA/TAA benefits for employees
Services for veterans
Information on rehabilitation services
Information on and referral to child care, transportation, and other supportive services
Assistance in basic skills and GED preparation
What is an ITA?
Individual Training Accounts (ITAs) – Tuition for individuals going to school can be paid. Participants are matched with established training classes to assist them in finding employment or enabling them to upgrade current employment.
For additional information about ITAs, visit your local WIN Job Center.
Where are WIN Job Centers Located?
WIN Job Center - Tupelo
Spanish Village
146 S. Thomas, Suite A
P. O. Box 110
Tupelo, MS 38802-0110
662.842.4371
Open – Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday – 8 a.m. until 5 p.m., Wednesday – 8 a.m. until 4 p.m.
Observes State of Mississippi holidaysWIN Job Center - Amory
1619 Hwy. 25
Amory, MS 38821
662.256.2618
Open – Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday – 8 a.m. until 5 p.m., Wednesday – 8 a.m. until 4 p.m.
Observes State of Mississippi holidaysWIN Job Center - Houston
665 N. Jefferson St.
Houston, MS 38851
662.456.3563
Open – Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday – 8 a.m. until 5 p.m., Wednesday – 8 a.m. until 4 p.m.
Observes State of Mississippi holidaysWIN Job Center - Fulton
34 E. Marion St.
Fulton, MS 38843
662.862.3824
Open – Wednesday and Thursday – 9 a.m. until 4 p.m.
Observes State of Mississippi holidaysWIN Job Center - Pontotoc
29 W. Washington St.
Pontotoc, MS 38863
662.489.3956
Open – Monday thru Friday – 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.
Observes State of Mississippi holidaysWIN Job Center Contacts
Stephanie Kitchens
WIA Case Manager
srkitchens@iccms.edu
Phone: 662.256.5617
Fax: 662.256.5686
Location: WIN Job Center - AmoryCathy Gilliam
Email: ckgilliam@iccms.edu
Phone: 662.680.8305
Fax: 662.842.8024
Location: WIN Job Center - TupeloPat Masur
Email: pcmasur@iccms.edu
Phone: 662.680.8251
Fax: 662.842.8024
Location: WIN Job Center - TupeloPicture
Currently
Not
AvailableJim Alford
Email: jbalford@iccms.edu
Phone: 662.256.2618
Fax: 662.842.8024
Location: WIN Job Center - AmoryRhonda Stevens
Email: rfstevens@iccms.edu
Phone: 662.680.8259
Fax: 662.842.8024
Location: WIN Job Center - TupeloSam Carpenter
Manager
Email: scarpenter@mesc.state.ms.us
Phone: 662.256.2618
Fax: 662.842.8024
Location: WIN Job Center - AmoryBill Mims
Email: wmims@mesc.state.ms.us
Phone: 662.842.4371
Fax: 662.842.8024
Location: WIN Job Center - TupeloTammy Roberts
WIA Case Manager
Email: throberts@iccms.edu
Phone: 662.489.1800
Fax: 662.489.0071
Location: WIN Job Center - Pontotoc & TupeloCecil Williams
Email: crwilliams@iccms.edu
Phone: 662.842.4371
Fax: 662.842.8024
Location: WIN Job Center - TupeloBrad Gates
OJT Specialist
Email: bsgates@iccms.edu
Phone: 662.680.8255
Fax: 662.680.8296
Location: WIN Job Center - TupeloDelores Basham
WIA Intake Specialist
Email: dfbasham@iccms.edu
Phone: 662.256.5617
Fax: 662.256.5686
Location: WIN Job Center - AmoryKathy Hicks
Employment Interviewer
Email: khicks@mdes.ms.gov
Phone: 662.256.2618
Fax: 662.256.9822
Location: WIN Job Center - AmoryPenny Spencer
Pontotoc Facility Coordinator
Email: pdspencer@iccms.edu
Phone: 662.489.1800
Fax: 662.489.0071
Location: WIN Job Center - Pontotoc