U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Dot gov

Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Https

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock () or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Located in:

c. 3. Describe how the state will ensure that all 14 program elements described in WIOA section 129(c)(2) are made available and effectively implemented, including quality pre-apprenticeship programs under the work experience program element. [12]

[12] Sec. 102(b)(2)(D)(i)(I)

Current Narrative:

The Idaho Department of Labor has been designated as the state’s comprehensive WIOA Youth program service provider as allowed under the provisions of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act’s Final Rule at 681.400.  This section clarified that the competitive procurement provision discussed in the Act (Sec. 123) is only applicable if the local board (please note, Idaho’s Workforce Development Council functions as both a state and local board) chooses to award grants or contracts to youth program element service providers other than the grant recipient/fiscal agent.

As the grant recipient, the Idaho Department of Labor is not only eligible to provide service elements under this provision, but also eligible to provide the design framework component of the youth program.    The design framework includes intake, assessment, development of an individual’s service plan and overall case management - these will determine whether occupational skills are required by the youth, negating the need for procuring the element. In Idaho, the grant recipient/fiscal agent -the Idaho Department of Labor - will provide youth design framework services.

Extensive surveys and communication with youth service providers found that the WIOA youth elements found to be commonly available in local service areas for youth tutoring, alternative school, education concurrent w/work prep, guidance and counseling, financial literacy education, entrepreneurial skills, labor market information and transition activities will be coordinated with other providers in the communities, rather than purchased with WIOA funds.

As the comprehensive youth program provider, the Idaho Department of Labor Workforce Division staff provide both the design framework and element services. Its career planners provide access and/or referral to any of the elements most appropriate for the eligible youth. The Idaho Department of Labor service providers require a program design which includes the 14 required youth elements with an emphasis on the following:

  • activities leading to the attainment of a secondary school diploma or its recognized equivalent, or a recognized postsecondary credential;
  • preparation for postsecondary educational and training opportunities;
  • strong linkages between academic instruction and occupational education that lead to the attainment of recognized postsecondary credentials; and
  • preparation for unsubsidized employment opportunities (which includes access to apprenticeship prospects and multiple options for work experience) ; and
  • effective connections to employers, in in-demand industry sectors and occupations of the local and regional labor markets.

To ensure the framework services are effectively implemented, the Idaho Department of Labor has established expectations for objective assessments, individual service strategy and other career planning and follow-up services for youth.

To ensure that youth receive the elements found to be commonly available in local service areas, the providers have developed linkages with the public, private and non-profit service providers of these elements. These linkages include arrangements which ensures a regular exchange of information relating to the progress, problems and needs of participants.

Performance of these service providers are monitored regularly to ensure program integrity, including their progress toward the achievement of goals, objectives, expenditure rates, service levels, and other process and outcome measures.