From Paperwork to Performance: Four Ways to make WIOA work
The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) is meant to connect people to great jobs, training, and support. And it can. But if you've ever worked in a WIOA program, you know it can feel more like a paper chase than a productivity boost.
After reviewing 40 case files across youth, adult, and dislocated worker programs, Maria Posey and Rush Bishop (working as affiliates to WorkEd Consulting) found that with the right systems, workforce development boards can be both compliant and impactful. Here are four insights from our work that indicate what it takes to make WIOA work!
1️⃣ Nail eligibility early. The faster you confirm someone’s eligible, the faster they start moving. Smarter systems = less time chasing paperwork, more time empowering participants. Clear policies on what to document (and how often) keep the team tight. Bonus: well-formatted notes make it easier to verify documentation and understand a participant’s journey.
2️⃣ Balance basic skills building with work training. Yes, basic skills matter but asking someone to improve math and English proficiencies before enrolling in work-related experiences reduces motivation and leads to non-engagement. Strike a balance. Mix foundational skill-building with On-the-Job Training (OJT), Individual Training Accounts (ITA), resume crafting, or mock interviews so people feel progress—even while learning.
3️⃣Make communication real. Flyers and emails about career events and training opportunities are cozy—but they don’t get people in the seats. The most committed case managers explain why an opportunity matters to a workforce customer and how a customer can succeed. Case managers who encourage and help customers complete applications for work experience (WEX) or OJT see enrollment and measurable skill gains shoot up.
4️⃣Keep support consistent. The best cases don’t just tick boxes; they find creative solutions. They use adult funding for eligible youth, identify and address barriers including transportation and exam fees, and treat the Individual Service Strategy (ISS) or Individual Employment Plan (IEP) as living documents—reviewed and updated regularly with the customers. Bonus: insist on licensing exam prep - a genius move to keep customers engaged after completing training and increasing the likelihood that they will earn a credential.
WIOA is tough. But tough doesn’t mean impossible. With thoughtful systems, solid structure, and a keen eye on what clients actually need, programs can be both compliant and game-changing.
For other examples of how Viking Impact Advisors can help WIOA partners improve impact while remaining compliant, please visit our page describing our workforce development services.
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