Last updated 3 weeks ago. Our resources are updated regularly but please keep in mind that links, programs, policies, and contact information do change.

The United States operates the world’s largest publicly funded job training network. This system provides free career counseling, skills training, and job placement services in every state.

The system serves two purposes: connecting job seekers with employment and training opportunities while helping employers find skilled workers.

This guide explains the range of offerings from federal programs down to local services available in your community.

Key Workforce Programs at a Glance

Program NameTarget AudienceKey Benefit / FeaturePrimary Access Point
WIOA Adult & Dislocated Worker ProgramsGeneral job seekers, low-income individuals, and those who have been laid offCareer counseling, skills assessment, and funding for training (ITAs)American Job Centers
Registered ApprenticeshipCareer seekers of all ages looking for a structured career pathEarn a salary while learning on the job; gain a national credentialApprenticeship.gov, American Job Centers
Job CorpsLow-income young adults, ages 16-24Free residential program providing career training, education, and housingJobCorps.gov, recruitment specialists
YouthBuildOpportunity youth, ages 16-24, who have left high schoolEarn a diploma while learning construction and other in-demand skillsLocal YouthBuild programs
Vocational Rehabilitation (VR)Individuals with physical or mental disabilities that are a barrier to employmentIndividualized counseling, training, assistive technology, and job placementState VR Agencies, American Job Centers
Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP)Low-income, unemployed individuals, age 55+Paid, part-time community service training to build skills and confidenceLocal SCSEP providers, American Job Centers
Veterans’ ProgramsMilitary veterans, transitioning service members, and eligible spousesPriority of service at AJCs, specialized employment representativesAmerican Job Centers, VA resources

How the Public Workforce System Works

The public workforce system operates as a partnership between federal, state, and local governments. This structure creates national consistency while allowing local flexibility to address regional economic needs.

The Foundation: Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act

The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) serves as the legislative foundation for modern workforce development. Passed with bipartisan support in 2014, WIOA was the first major reform of the system in over 15 years. The law streamlines existing programs, strengthens connections between education and career preparation, and improves services for both job seekers and businesses.

WIOA particularly focuses on increasing access to employment, education, training, and support services for individuals with significant barriers to employment. The law also aligns workforce development with regional economic needs.

The act is organized into four main sections:

Title I: Workforce Development Activities authorizes and funds programs for three key groups: Adults, Dislocated Workers (those who have been laid off), and Youth. Most services delivered through local centers, including career counseling and training funds, are supported by Title I.

Title II: Adult Education and Family Literacy Act funds programs focused on helping adults develop basic skills including reading, math, and English language proficiency needed for postsecondary education and workforce success.

Title III: Amendments to the Wagner-Peyser Act of 1933 funds the national system of public employment offices and labor exchange services. This title provides core funding for universal services at American Job Centers, ensuring anyone can receive basic job search assistance.

Title IV: Amendments to the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 authorizes Vocational Rehabilitation programs, which provide specialized employment and training services to individuals with disabilities.

This structure is intentionally designed to be national in scope but local in execution. Federal WIOA legislation provides funding and sets overarching goals and performance metrics for all states, ensuring consistent baseline quality and services nationwide. However, the law requires each state to develop its own “Unified State Plan.”

These plans, such as Iowa’s “Future Ready Iowa” or Washington’s “Talent and Prosperity for All,” allow states to tailor federal mandates to their unique economic conditions, key industries, and workforce challenges. Final service delivery happens at the community level through local American Job Centers, overseen by local boards.

For job seekers, this structure means that while program types—such as On-the-Job Training or Individual Training Accounts—are generally consistent nationwide, specific industries targeted for training, funding amounts, and local partner networks vary significantly from one county or state to another. This underscores the importance of connecting with a local center to access services relevant to the immediate job market.

Federal Administration: Employment and Training Administration

At the federal level, the Employment and Training Administration (ETA), a component of the U.S. Department of Labor, administers WIOA and oversees the nation’s workforce programs. The ETA’s mission is to provide high-quality job training, employment services, labor market information, and income maintenance services like unemployment insurance to support efficient functioning of the U.S. labor market.

The ETA acts as the system’s engine, distributing federal funds appropriated by Congress to states and local areas. It provides high-level guidance and technical assistance to ensure state and local partners implement programs according to law. While the ETA sets national direction, actual day-to-day services are delivered through state and local workforce development systems it funds.

The ETA sponsors several critical national online resources that serve as primary gateways for job seekers. These include CareerOneStop, a comprehensive portal for career exploration and local service location, and Apprenticeship.gov, the official hub for Registered Apprenticeship opportunities.

New Partnership: DOL and Department of Education

A recent significant development in workforce program administration is a formal partnership between the Department of Labor and the U.S. Department of Education. Through an Interagency Agreement signed in May 2025, day-to-day administrative responsibilities for WIOA Title II (Adult Education) and the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act (Perkins V) programs are shifting from Education to the DOL.

This move centralizes operational management of the nation’s key workforce and career education programs under DOL’s umbrella. The stated goal is to “streamline unnecessary bureaucracy” and create a more integrated system that can “better connect workers to training that leads to mortgage-paying jobs.”

This restructuring represents a major policy shift toward treating education as a direct and integral component of workforce development. Historically, education and labor initiatives often operated in separate federal silos. This partnership aims to break down those barriers.

For job seekers, this could lead to more seamless “career pathways” where an adult education class to improve basic skills flows directly into a WIOA-funded technical training program or a Registered Apprenticeship, all coordinated through the same local system. While some advocacy organizations have voiced concerns that this could risk narrowing education’s focus to “mere job training,” the intent is to create a more efficient, skills-focused system that directly aligns educational attainment with tangible employment outcomes.

Finding Your Local American Job Center

American Job Centers (AJCs), also known as One-Stop Career Centers, serve as the public-facing hub of the entire workforce system. With nearly 2,300 locations across the United States, these centers are the primary access point for all services, programs, and resources discussed in this guide.

The “One-Stop” Solution

AJCs are founded on a “no wrong door” philosophy, designed to provide a full range of assistance to job seekers under one roof. Whether an individual needs help with a résumé, wants to file for unemployment, is interested in training, or requires supportive services like childcare, the AJC is the place to start. Staff connect customers to all relevant programs and partners, streamlining what could otherwise be a confusing process of navigating multiple agencies. This integrated approach is a core tenet of WIOA, which mandates co-location of key partner programs within the AJC network.

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American Job Centers are not merely “unemployment offices” with historical stigma of processing benefit claims for those out of work. Their modern mandate is far broader and more proactive. Services extend to career planning and advancement for currently employed individuals, guidance for students, and recruitment services for local businesses. They function as comprehensive community career and economic development hubs.

By also acting as a nexus for social services—providing referrals for transportation, housing, and financial assistance—the AJC network acknowledges that employment barriers are often multifaceted and not purely related to lack of skills. This holistic model makes the AJC a valuable resource for anyone in the community looking to manage their career, not just those in crisis.

What to Expect: Free Services

Services provided at American Job Centers are free of charge to all job seekers. While specific offerings may vary slightly by location, a comprehensive center provides a wide array of support:

Career Exploration & Planning: Experienced career counselors work one-on-one with individuals to identify interests, assess existing skills and abilities, and provide detailed labor market information on which jobs are in-demand locally, what they pay, and what skills they require.

Job Search Assistance: This includes hands-on workshops for résumé writing, cover letter development, and interviewing skills. Staff can help develop an effective job search plan, provide job leads, and offer access to the state’s electronic job bank.

Resource Rooms: Most AJCs offer resource rooms with free public access to computers with internet, telephones, printers, and fax machines for job search-related activities.

Training & Education: This is a critical function. Counselors can determine an individual’s eligibility for WIOA-funded training programs. They provide access to the state’s list of approved training providers and can authorize funding for individuals to attend these programs.

Supportive Services: AJC staff can provide referrals and information about a wide range of community resources to help remove employment barriers. This can include information on SNAP (food stamps), Medicaid, financial assistance, emergency funds, childcare, and transportation options.

Business Services & Hiring Events: AJCs work directly with local employers to help them recruit talent. They regularly host job fairs and hiring events, creating direct opportunities for job seekers to connect with companies that have open positions.

Specialized Services: AJCs provide targeted assistance for specific populations, including priority services for military veterans, accommodations for people with disabilities, and programs for youth and older workers.

Comprehensive vs. Affiliate Centers

There are two types of American Job Centers:

Comprehensive American Job Centers are full-service locations that provide the complete array of employment and training services. They have staff from all mandatory WIOA partner programs—such as Veterans’ Employment Services and Vocational Rehabilitation—located on-site.

Affiliate American Job Centers are satellite locations that provide a more limited set of services directly. While they can still offer valuable assistance, they may not have all partner staff on-site and will provide referrals to other locations for more specialized needs.

When searching for a center, check whether it is a comprehensive or affiliate location to understand the full range of services available at that specific site.

How to Find Your Local AJC

Locating the nearest American Job Center is straightforward with several available tools:

Online Finder: The primary and most effective tool is the American Job Center Finder, hosted on the ETA-sponsored CareerOneStop website. This tool allows users to search by city, state, or zip code to get a list of the closest centers, along with their contact information, hours, and service descriptions.

Toll-Free Helpline: For those without internet access or who prefer to speak with someone, the U.S. Department of Labor operates a national toll-free helpline. Individuals can call 1-877-US-2JOBS (1-877-872-5627) or TTY: 1-877-889-5267 to get information and be directed to their nearest center.

Navigating Your State’s Resources

While the workforce system is federally mandated and funded, its implementation is managed at state and regional levels. Understanding this structure helps job seekers know where to look for specific information about programs and funding available in their area.

The Role of Workforce Development Boards

Workforce Development Boards (WDBs) are the regional governing bodies responsible for strategic planning and oversight of the workforce system. There is a state-level WDB and multiple local or regional WDBs within each state. These boards direct the flow of federal, state, and local funding to workforce development programs and oversee operations of American Job Centers in their jurisdiction.

The composition of these boards is a key feature of the WIOA system. By law, a majority of members on a local WDB must come from the business community. Other members include representatives from labor organizations, community-based organizations, and educational institutions. This business-led structure is the primary mechanism ensuring publicly funded training programs align directly with real-world private sector needs.

The WDB is responsible for analyzing the local labor market and identifying “in-demand” industries and occupations—those that have high growth potential and pay family-sustaining wages. This analysis directly informs which types of training will be funded with WIOA dollars. This structure provides crucial assurance to job seekers: the training opportunities they find are not based on arbitrary or outdated curricula but are designed to prepare them for jobs that actually exist and are in demand within their local economy.

Finding Your State’s Workforce Agency

The first step in exploring state-specific resources is to identify the primary state agency responsible for workforce development. Agency names can vary significantly from state to state, but there are reliable methods for locating the correct entity.

Method 1: U.S. Department of Labor Directory: The DOL’s Wage and Hour Division maintains a comprehensive list of State Labor Offices, which is an excellent starting point. This directory shows the variation in agency names; for example, in California, the umbrella organization is the Labor & Workforce Development Agency, while in Texas it is the Texas Workforce Commission, and in Arizona, some services fall under the Department of Economic Security. Despite different names, this directory provides official website and contact information for the correct cabinet-level agency in each state.

Method 2: CareerOneStop Workforce Development Board Finder: For a more direct approach to finding the regional governing body, job seekers can use the Workforce Development Board Finder tool on CareerOneStop. This tool allows users to select their state and see a list of all local and regional WDBs, complete with website links and contact information.

What to Look for on Your State’s Website

Once the correct state agency website has been located, it can serve as a rich source of specific information. To navigate these often-large sites effectively, individuals should look for key sections, typically labeled with terms like:

  • “Job Seekers,” “For Individuals,” or “Workforce Services”
  • “WIOA Programs” or “Training Opportunities”
  • “Eligible Training Provider List (ETPL)” or “Find a Training Program”
  • “American Job Center Locations” or “Find a Career Center”
  • “Labor Market Information” or “Workforce Data” (this section provides valuable statistics on in-demand jobs, wage levels, and economic projections for the state and its regions)

These sections contain state-specific details about program eligibility, funding limits, and lists of approved training schools and programs.

Job Training Models

The workforce system offers a spectrum of training models designed to accommodate different learning styles, career goals, and life circumstances. These range from highly structured, long-term programs to flexible, classroom-based options. Understanding these models allows job seekers to choose the path that best aligns with their needs.

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Earn While You Learn: Apprenticeships and On-the-Job Training

“Earn and learn” models are powerful pathways that allow individuals to receive a paycheck while being trained, avoiding the need to take on debt or forgo income.

Registered Apprenticeships

A Registered Apprenticeship is considered a premier work-based learning model. It is a formal program that combines paid, full-time, on-the-job training under the supervision of a mentor with related classroom instruction. These programs are “registered” with either the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Apprenticeship or an approved State Apprenticeship Agency, ensuring they meet high standards for quality and rigor. Upon completion, an apprentice earns a portable, nationally recognized credential that certifies their skills.

The benefits for career seekers are substantial. Post-completion, apprentices earn an average starting salary of approximately $80,000, and 90% of apprentices retain employment after finishing their program. Over a lifetime, apprenticeship graduates are projected to earn over $300,000 more than their peers who did not complete an apprenticeship.

While traditionally associated with construction and skilled trades, Registered Apprenticeships are now prevalent in over 1,300 occupations across a wide range of high-growth industries, including healthcare, information technology, advanced manufacturing, finance, and transportation.

The central hub for exploring these opportunities is the federal website Apprenticeship.gov. This site allows users to search for apprenticeship programs by occupation and location. It also provides specific resources for different audiences, including veterans who may be able to use their GI Bill benefits to supplement their income while in an approved apprenticeship program.

On-the-Job Training (OJT)

On-the-Job Training is another powerful “earn and learn” model funded through WIOA. In an OJT arrangement, an employer hires an individual who may not yet have all necessary skills for a position and provides structured training at the worksite. In return, the local workforce system reimburses the employer for a portion of the new employee’s wages—typically between 50% and 75%—during the defined training period to offset training costs.

OJT differs from a Registered Apprenticeship in that it is generally shorter-term and designed to train a worker for the specific needs of one particular job at one company, rather than for a broad, nationally recognized occupational credential. For the job seeker, OJT provides a direct pathway to a permanent, full-time job, allowing them to earn a full wage from day one while learning the exact skills their new employer requires.

This makes it an excellent option for individuals who learn best in a hands-on environment or who face barriers that make it difficult to secure employment through traditional hiring processes. OJT opportunities are not typically listed on public job boards; instead, they are developed by business service representatives at local American Job Centers who work directly with employers. Eligible job seekers are then matched with these opportunities by their AJC career planner.

Classroom Training and Individual Training Accounts

For individuals who prefer a more traditional learning environment or need to acquire foundational knowledge before entering the workplace, WIOA provides funding for classroom-based occupational skills training. The system is built on the principle of “consumer choice,” empowering the job seeker to select the program that best fits their career goals.

The primary mechanism for this choice is the Individual Training Account (ITA). An ITA functions like a scholarship or voucher that an eligible WIOA participant can use to “purchase” training from an approved institution. These funds are paid directly from the local workforce board to the training provider on the participant’s behalf.

To ensure quality and accountability, ITA funds can only be used at programs that appear on a state’s Eligible Training Provider List (ETPL). The ETPL is a public catalog of all schools, community colleges, and private training organizations that have been approved to receive WIOA funds. To get on and stay on the list, providers must meet state-defined performance metrics, which typically include program completion rates, job placement rates, and the earnings of their graduates.

To access this resource, an individual must first work with a career planner at an American Job Center to be determined eligible for WIOA training services. Once deemed eligible, the job seeker can access their state’s ETPL to research and select a program that aligns with their Individual Employment Plan. Local WDBs often set limits on the duration and dollar amount of ITAs.

Pell Grants for Short-Term Training

A landmark change is underway that will significantly expand financial aid for skills training. Federal Pell Grants have long been the cornerstone of federal financial aid, but they have traditionally been restricted to undergraduate students with exceptional financial need who are pursuing a degree or credential requiring at least a semester of instruction.

Recent legislation has created new “Workforce Pell Grants,” which will expand eligibility to students enrolled in high-quality, short-term, non-degree training programs. This policy shift is a fundamental acknowledgment that the modern economy requires faster and more targeted pathways to credentials than a traditional two- or four-year degree can always provide.

The new rules specify that eligible programs must be between 8 and 14 weeks long (or 150-600 clock hours), lead to a credential in an in-demand field, and meet stringent quality metrics, including high program completion and job placement rates. This change will open up a massive new funding stream for the types of rapid training offered by community and technical colleges for careers in fields like welding, commercial truck driving, emergency medical services, and information technology.

It will be particularly beneficial for working parents or formerly incarcerated individuals who cannot afford to be out of the workforce for an extended period.

These new Workforce Pell Grants are expected to become available to students starting in the fall of 2026. To prepare, individuals interested in this future opportunity should begin by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form, which is the universal application for all federal student aid. They should also begin speaking with financial aid advisors at their local community and technical colleges about future eligibility for these grants.

Specialized Support for Different Populations

The public workforce system recognizes that different populations face unique barriers to employment and has developed specialized programs to provide tailored support. This commitment to targeted services demonstrates a core principle of the system: ensuring equity of access. These programs are strategic investments designed to unlock the full potential of every segment of the American workforce.

For Young Adults (Ages 16-24)

Two major national programs focus on providing comprehensive services to young adults who need additional support to connect to the workforce.

Job Corps

Job Corps is the nation’s largest free residential education and career training program, serving low-income young adults ages 16 through 24. The program’s all-inclusive model is designed to remove significant life barriers by providing, at no cost to the student, housing, meals, basic medical care, and a bi-weekly living allowance. This stable environment allows students to focus on their education and training.

Job Corps offers hands-on, vocational training in over 100 career areas across 10 high-growth industry sectors, including advanced manufacturing, healthcare, information technology, and construction. In addition to career training, students can also earn a high school diploma or equivalent.

To be eligible, individuals must meet age and low-income requirements and be motivated to succeed. Interested individuals can learn more and find the application process on the official Job Corps website or by calling the toll-free recruitment line at 1-800-733-JOBS (5627).

YouthBuild

YouthBuild is a community-based pre-apprenticeship program that serves “opportunity youth”—young people ages 16-24 who are not in school and not employed. The program is built on a unique dual model: participants split their time between classroom instruction, where they work to earn their high school diploma or equivalent, and a practical worksite.

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Traditionally, the worksite component involves the construction or rehabilitation of affordable housing for low-income or homeless families within their own communities, providing a tangible benefit back to the neighborhood. Many programs now also offer vocational training in other in-demand industries like healthcare, hospitality, and information technology.

YouthBuild programs are run by local non-profit organizations across the country. To find a local program, individuals should visit the national YouthBuild website.

For Workers 55 and Older

Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP)

Authorized by the Older Americans Act, the Senior Community Service Employment Program is specifically for low-income, unemployed individuals aged 55 and older. SCSEP provides paid, part-time community service training assignments, typically for an average of 20 hours per week, at local non-profit or government agencies. Participants are paid the highest applicable federal, state, or local minimum wage.

The program’s goal is to help older workers build skills, gain recent work experience, and develop the confidence needed to transition back into unsubsidized employment. To find a local SCSEP provider, individuals can use the Older Worker Program Finder on CareerOneStop or inquire at their local American Job Center.

For Individuals with Disabilities

Vocational Rehabilitation (VR)

Vocational Rehabilitation services are authorized under Title IV of WIOA and are designed to help individuals with disabilities prepare for, secure, retain, or regain employment. VR is a federally funded program administered by a designated state agency in every state. The program serves individuals with any physical or mental impairment that constitutes a substantial barrier to employment.

Services are highly individualized and developed in partnership with a VR counselor. They can include a wide range of supports, such as:

  • Career guidance and counseling
  • Funding for postsecondary education and vocational training
  • Assistive technology devices and services
  • Job search and placement assistance
  • On-the-job training and job coaching

To be eligible, an individual must have an impairment that is a significant barrier to employment and require VR services to achieve an employment outcome. Individuals receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits are generally presumed to be eligible for VR services.

To apply, individuals should contact their state’s VR agency directly—examples include the Texas Workforce Commission’s VR program and the California Department of Rehabilitation—or connect with a VR counselor who is often co-located at a comprehensive American Job Center.

For Veterans and Military Spouses

The workforce system provides special recognition and services for those who have served in the military. The most significant provision is Priority of Service, a legal mandate requiring that all DOL-funded workforce programs serve eligible veterans and their spouses before serving non-veterans. This means that if there is a waiting list for a program or a limited number of training slots, a veteran will be moved to the front of the line.

In addition to this priority, American Job Centers have specialized staff dedicated to serving veterans. Disabled Veterans’ Outreach Program (DVOP) specialists provide intensive, individualized services to veterans with significant barriers to employment, while Local Veterans’ Employment Representatives (LVERs) conduct outreach to employers to advocate for the hiring of veterans.

A wide web of resources is available, including the Department of Labor’s Veterans’ Employment and Training Service (VETS), the Department of Veterans Affairs education and career counseling benefits, and specialized tools on CareerOneStop like the Military-to-Civilian Job Search.

For Dislocated Workers

A “dislocated worker” is an individual who has lost their job through no fault of their own, such as in a permanent layoff or business closure. The WIOA Dislocated Worker program is designed to help these individuals re-enter the workforce as quickly as possible. Services are similar to those in the Adult program but are specifically tailored to the needs of experienced workers who may need to retrain for a new industry.

In cases of large-scale layoffs or natural disasters that affect a significant number of workers, the DOL can release special National Dislocated Worker Grants (DWGs). These grants provide additional, time-limited funding to states and communities to expand their capacity to provide career and training services to affected workers.

How to Evaluate a Training Program

Navigating the workforce system is not just about finding a program; it’s about finding the right program. WIOA’s design empowers individuals as consumers of training services, and the system provides data to help them make an informed choice.

This structure is intended to create a competitive marketplace for training providers, where quality and results drive funding. WIOA requires states to maintain an ETPL, and providers must report on their performance outcomes to remain on that list. In theory, this weeds out ineffective programs, as providers who consistently fail to place graduates into good jobs will lose their eligibility for WIOA funding. This fundamentally changes the dynamic, positioning the job seeker not just as a student, but as a customer with the right and ability to choose a provider with a proven track record.

Building Your Career Vocabulary

To navigate conversations with career planners and training providers confidently, it helps to be familiar with some common terminology:

Work-Based Learning: A broad term for training that occurs at a worksite and connects classroom learning with real-world job experience. Apprenticeships and OJT are forms of work-based learning.

Career Pathway: A sequence of education and training steps, often combined with support services, that enables individuals to advance over time to higher levels of employment and education in a specific industry.

Stackable Credentials: A series of credentials that can be accumulated over time to build up an individual’s qualifications. For example, a short-term certificate can be the first “stack” toward a technical diploma or an associate degree.

Competency-Based Training: Training programs that are structured around mastering specific, defined skills (competencies) rather than completing a set number of hours in a classroom.

Individual Employment Plan (IEP): A personalized plan developed by a job seeker and their career counselor that outlines their employment goals and the specific steps, services, and training needed to achieve them.

Work Readiness Skills: The foundational or “soft” skills needed to succeed in the workplace, such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, punctuality, and professionalism.

A Checklist for Evaluating Program Quality

An individual should act as a smart consumer when selecting a training program. Before committing to a program and authorizing the use of an ITA, a job seeker should ask pointed questions of both their AJC career planner and the prospective training provider.

Questions about Outcomes:

  • What is the program’s verified completion rate?
  • What is the job placement rate for program graduates in the field of training?
  • What is the average starting wage that graduates of this program earn?
  • Does this program lead to a specific, industry-recognized credential or certification that employers in the area value?

Questions about Program Content and Delivery:

  • How recently was the curriculum updated to reflect current industry standards and technologies?
  • What is the balance between classroom lecture and hands-on, practical learning?
  • What is the real-world industry experience of the instructors who will be teaching the courses?

Questions about Support:

  • What specific job placement assistance does the provider offer to graduates? Do they have relationships with local employers?
  • Does the program include an internship, externship, or other work-based learning component?
  • What academic supports, such as tutoring or mentoring, are available to help students succeed in the program?

Using Post-Training Evaluation for System Growth

Evaluation is a two-way process. After completing a training program, participants will often be asked to provide feedback through surveys or interviews. This is a critical part of the system’s continuous improvement cycle.

Honest and detailed feedback about the quality of instruction, the relevance of the curriculum, and the effectiveness of job placement support helps WDBs and state agencies hold training providers accountable and ensure that public funds are being spent effectively. By participating in these evaluations, former students help improve the quality of the system for everyone who comes after them.

The public workforce system represents one of America’s most significant investments in human capital development. With thousands of locations, billions in annual funding, and partnerships spanning government, education, and industry, this system provides a comprehensive infrastructure for career development and economic mobility.

Our articles make government information more accessible. Please consult a qualified professional for financial, legal, or health advice specific to your circumstances.

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