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
ICC - Belden Center
3200 Adams Farm Road
Belden, MS 38826
662.842.4371
Open - Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday - 8 a.m. until 5
p.m.
Open - Wednesday - 8 a.m. until 4 p.m.
Observes State of Mississippi holidays
WIN 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.
Open - Wednesday - 8 a.m. until 4 p.m.
Observes State of Mississippi holidays
WIN Job Center - Houston
201 S Monroe Street
Houston, MS 38851
662.456.1561
Open - Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday - 8 a.m. until 5
p.m.
Open - Wednesday - 8 a.m. until 4 p.m.
Observes State of Mississippi holidays
WIN 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 holidays
WIN Job Center - Pontotoc
182 Hwy, 15 North
Pontotoc, MS 38863
662.489.3956
Open - Monday thru Friday - 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.
Observes State of Mississippi holidays
