Eligible Training Provider
The Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (WIA) allows eligible WIA customers to choose training programs from a statewide list of certified training providers. The local boards and state work together to develop and disseminate this list so that customers have the information and confidence to make informed decisions in choosing a training course anywhere in Virginia.
To be certified to receive WIA training vouchers, a training provider must submit a completed application to their Local Workforce Investment Board (LWIB) for each program of training that leads to a certificate, degree, license or skill attainment. This is a two-stage process.
For the first year of inclusion on the state list, the applicant must demonstrate that the training program meets the eligibility criteria listed below. The applicant must also submit required information for a consumer reports system that will contain all certified training providers that the Virginia Employment Commission will maintain on the state website.
The second stage of the application process requires the collection of first year performance, customer satisfaction and outcomes data. To be certified beyond the first year, the applicant MUST submit this performance information to the LWIB to demonstrate that the applicant can provide effective, relevant, quality training in the state of Virginia. The LWIB will take responsibility for certifying the applicant on an annual basis and passing that information along to the Virginia Employment Commission, which is the designated state agency responsible for developing and maintaining the state list of eligible providers.
Requirements:
A program of training services is one or more courses or classes that, upon successful completion, leads to a certificate, an associate’s degree, or baccalaureate degree; a competency or skill recognized by employers; or a training regimen that provides individuals with additional skills or competencies.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Provider must be a postsecondary educational institution approved to operate in Virginia, whose programs are approved by an accrediting agency that is recognized by the Federal Department of Education as being eligible under Title IV of the Higher Education Act.
- The provider is an entity that carries out programs registered under the National Apprenticeship Act.
- The program of training services for which certification is being sought has been recognized by the industry as meeting the standards necessary for approval and accreditation, such as Microsoft Certified Engineer, CISCO Certification, etc. Also, the provider of the program is approved to operate in Virginia under applicable provisions of the Code of Virginia.
- If a provider cannot meet any of the above criteria, it must demonstrate to the LWIB that the program for which it is seeking certification is germane to local workforce development needs and provides quality training.
NOTE: On-the job training or customized training as defined in WIA Section 101, are not to be processed for inclusion on the statewide training provider list. Local One-Stop operators are responsible for determining whether providers of on-the-job training and/or customized training meet state performance criteria in order to qualify for WIA payments. Pre-vocational skill training such as the development of learning skills, communication skills, interviewing skills, punctuality, personal maintenance skills, professional conduct and stand-alone literacy/basic skills education are to be treated as intensive services under WIA, and not necessarily included in the certification process for training providers.
Application Process / Deadlines:
The Crater Regional Workforce Investment Group (Area 15) reviews Applications for Certification/Re-Certification semi-annually; however, we accept applications year-round. Applicant deadlines are June 30th of each calendar year. Applications received after June 30th will be reviewed during the next certification period. Training providers are notified of their status within thirty (30) days after their completed applications are reviewed by the Board. All approved programs are sent to the state for final approval, and inclusion on the statewide training list.
Click here for the training provider application. 