The Workforce Investment Act of 1998 provides federal funding for Adult, Dislocated Worker and Youth Programs for employment and training related activities to eligible customers. Opportunities are designed to provide a variety of training options that will lead to viable employment, job retention, increased earnings, and a better quality of life.

The Adult Program provides a wide range of employment and training services including basic job attainment and job keeping skills, assistance with improving basic education skills, and occupational skills training. Job search and job placement assistance services are also available. Services are offered through the JobLink Career Centers. JobLink partners ensure that appropriate services based on individual needs are provided in a coordinated and friendly manner. An employment plan is developed providing a written strategy that identifies the individual’s employment goal and the appropriate combination of services necessary for achievement of this goal.

Services are available to individuals who are 18 years of age or older, a United States citizen (or legally authorized to work in this country) and if male, be in compliance with Section 3 of the Military Selective Service Act.
Veterans receive priority for services as mandated by state law.

Individuals who have demonstrated that they are not able to obtain or retain self-sufficient employment may, subject to certain limitations, be able to receive training services. The training program selected must be directly linked to the employment opportunities in the Cape Fear Workforce Development Area or in an area to which the individual is willing to relocate. Meeting program criteria does not ensure that training services will be available.

Dislocated Workers are individuals who have been terminated or laid off or have received notice of termination or layoff or were self-employed but are unemployed as a result of general economic conditions in the community or because of natural disasters. Other conditions may apply. Dislocated Workers also include displaced homemakers.

A wide range of employment and training services are available for dislocated workers.

Youth programs are designed to better prepare young adults by offering a comprehensive year-round package of services that increases their chances of success both in school and the workplace.

Eligible youth in the Cape Fear Local Area are low-income individuals between the ages of 16 and 21 inclusive who have at least one of six specified barriers to employment – deficient in basic literacy skills; school dropout; homeless, runaway or foster child; pregnant or parenting; offender; or is an individual who requires additional assistance to complete an education program or to secure and hold employment. Cape Fear Workforce Development Youth operators provide services to both in-school and out-of-school youth. Youth program providers ensure that eligible youth who do not meet the enrollment requirements of their program or who cannot be served by their program are referred for additional assessment and also to appropriate programs designed to meet their basic skills and training needs.

Services to youth are determined through as assessment of the young adult’s skills needs. Youth may participate in multiple program elements which are indicated during program assessment.

Youth services include:

• Tutoring, study skills training
• Alternative secondary school
• Summer employment opportunities
• Paid and unpaid work experiences, including internships and job shadowing
• Occupational skill training
• Leadership development
• Supportive services
• Adult mentoring
• Follow-up services
• Comprehensive guidance and counseling