Located in:
- Program-specific Requirements for Adult, Dislocated Worker, and Youth Activities under Title I-B
The Unified or Combined State Plan must include the following with respect to activities carried out under subtitle B—
b. 1. Work-Based Training Models
If the State is utilizing work-based training models (e.g. on-the-job training, incumbent worker training, transitional jobs, and customized training) as part of its training strategy and these strategies are not already discussed in other sections of the plan, describe the State’s strategies for how these models ensure high quality training for both the participant and the employer.
Current Narrative:
Arkansas' strategies for implementing work-based training is articulated in Arkansas’ WIOA I-B - 5.1, Work-Based Learning Program Policy and Issuance PY18-07, released on September 25, 2018.
This policy may be accessed at:
https://dws.arkansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/PY18-07-Arkansas-Work-Based-Learning.pdf
The partnership between local program providers and the Arkansas Department of Workforce Services (ADWS) will add to existing efforts of local areas to strengthen work-based training options in Arkansas. The program will increase the abilities of local areas to focus on meeting the needs of Arkansas businesses, provide job opportunities and training to populations with barriers to employment, and to increase the diversity and quality of training methods in Arkansas.
The four options available through this partnership are on-the-job training (OJT), paid internships, paid work experience, and incumbent worker training (IWT). ADWS will develop announcements and applications for the Arkansas Work-Based Learning Program. Employers will apply to ADWS for funding for options that meet their needs. To participate in the program, employers will complete ADWS applications proposing work-based training. In each option, ADWS will work with local areas to identify businesses, to develop specifics of contracts, and to fund the programs. Local areas may assist employers in completing applications. Number of grants issued will depend on available State WIOA funding and the amount of each grant.
For some options, LWDBs may need to develop policies to determine guidelines for which employers may be served, the rate of reimbursement, training to provided, and specific policies and procedures concerning the provision of services. LWDBs may also adopt the guidelines provided by ADWS to partner with them in providing the training.
In all the options except incumbent worker training, local program providers must determine eligibility, determine service needs, and provide case management for all participants.
There is nothing to prohibit a local area from using this policy as a model for their own program without partnering with ADWS.
All requirements, guidelines, and policies of the Arkansas WIOA Title I-B Policy Manual, the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014 (WIOA), the WIOA Final Rule, and Training and Employment Guidance Letters (TEGLs) published by the Employment and Training Administration of the U.S. Department of Labor (ETA) must be followed.