Workforce Investment Act
The federal Workforce Investment Act (WIA) replaced the Job Training Partnership Act in 1998 and became effective in Washington State in 2000. It provides a range of workforce development activities administered through the Employment Security Department and local organizations which promote an increase in the employment, job retention, earnings, and occupational skills of those participating. In particular, these activities benefit job seekers, laid off workers, youth, incumbent workers, new entrants to the workforce, veterans, persons with disabilities, and employers.