The new federal employment and training statute, the Workforce and Opportunity Act (WIOA), was signed into law on July 22, 2014 and effective as of July 1, 2015. This new regulation replaces the Workforce Investment Act. known as the WIA Act for its acronym in English.

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This reform will allow to increase the employment, retention, and income of the participants, the recognition of the educational and professional preparation of the participants, and as a consequence improve the quality of the workforce. It will reduce dependence on public assistance, increase economic self-sufficiency, and allow us to meet the requirements of employers to improve the productivity and competitiveness of the Nation.

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The purpose of the WIOA Act is to provide activities to the workforce aimed at:

• Improve the talent of people, particularly those with barriers to obtaining employment, and have access to job opportunities, formal education, training and support services.

• Support the alignment of investment systems in the labor force, educational systems and economic development.

• Improve the quality and relevance of the labor market by offering workers skills and credentials, and employers, skilled workers.

• Promote the improvement in the structures and provision of services.

• Promote prosperity for workers, employers and improve global competitiveness.

• Provide activities that enhance employment, retention, earnings earned by participants, and obtaining recognized post-secondary credentials.