Author: Ryan Hill
North Carolina is one of seven states selected to participate in a federal program to help streamline workforce training.
April 11, 2018 -- North Carolina was selected to participate in a federal program that could help assist vulnerable families in obtaining sustainable employment.
The State Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) & Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Cohort Challenge seeks to strengthen employment and workforce training provided by the three programs and create unified strategies to build a pipeline of employees who have the skills to meet employers’ needs.
North Carolina’s application was submitted in partnership with the NC Department of Health and Human Services’ Division of Social Services and Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services, and the NC Department of Commerce’s Division of Workforce Solutions.
North Carolina was one of seven states chosen for the challenge from among 17 applications. The other states selected are Colorado, Kentucky, Nebraska, New Jersey, South Carolina and Washington. The states will learn from each other and the federal government about effective workforce training.
“We are excited and appreciative of the opportunity for peer learning from our federal partners and other states participating in the cohort,” said Division of Social Services Director Wayne Black. “Our goal is to work collaboratively with the Division of Workforce Solutions and the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services to bridge together local agencies across the state to assist vulnerable families in obtaining sustainable employment.”
The challenge began with a virtual kick-off session in February. In subsequent sessions, participants have learned from federal experts in workforce development about exploring service models and engaging with peers to help the WIOA, TANF and SNAP programs achieve their goal of helping vulnerable families obtain sustainable employment.
Ultimately, by July 2020, the three programs and DVRS will have a comprehensive state plan on how to leverage and integrate resources to provide a network of services for citizens that will strengthen the state’s workforce.
Black said DHHS officials hope the Cohort Challenge generates ideas to streamline services for citizens at the local level, identify shared outcomes, centralize data collection, enhance communication and create new ways to deliver employment and training assistance to consumers.
Virtual meetings will continue through May to identify challenges and opportunities, with participants discussing action plans for improvement.