Overview of the Workforce Investment Board (WIB)

Purpose: The WIB will develop and ensure the implementation of a unified and effective strategy for addressing local workforce development issues and meeting service delivery goals. The goal of workforce development is twofold: 1. to help individuals attain the skills necessary for employability and 2. to help employers become competitive in a global economy

Responsibilities: Workforce Investment Boards carry out the following functions:

Designation, certification, and oversight of One-Stop Centers;
• Identification and certification of eligible providers of training services;
• Development of and entry into memoranda of understanding with One-Stop partners;
• Development of a budget;
• Establishment of local performance measures;
• Program oversight;
• Coordination of employer linkages;
• Establishment of a Youth Council;
• Provision of grants for youth activities.

The WIB is prohibited from directly providing training services or directly operating the One-Stop Center unless the Governor provides a waiver.

Membership: Board members are appointed by the chief local elected official (CLEO) and must include a majority of representatives of local businesses, as well as local educational entities, labor organizations, community-based organizations, economic development agencies, and representatives from the One-Stop partners.

At least 51% of members must be business representatives. Business representatives are to be executive level officers and/or employees with significant policy making or hiring authority.

The Youth Council is responsible for developing portions of the local plan relating to youth, recommending and overseeing providers of youth activities, and coordinating youth activities.