James worked at a factory for 8 years. Then the plant closed. No warning. No severance. Just... gone.
He applied everywhere. Fast food. Warehouses. Retail. But without new skills, he couldn't find anything that paid more than $12/hour. He had a mortgage. Two kids. Bills piling up.
Then his WorkOne advisor told him about WIOA. The government would pay for him to learn HVAC repair—a skill that's in high demand. Tuition: $5,000. Books: $300. Gas money to get to class: covered. All free.
60 days later, James graduated with 6 certifications. He got hired at $55,000/year with benefits. "WIOA saved my family," he says.
What is WIOA?
WIOA stands for Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act. It's a federal program that provides free job training to people who are:
- •Unemployed (lost your job, can't find work)
- •Underemployed (working part-time, low wages, no benefits)
- •Facing barriers (disability, low income, justice involvement, lack of education)
- •Dislocated workers (laid off, plant closure, industry decline)
WIOA is run through your local WorkOne center. They connect you with training providers (like us), help you apply for funding, and support you through the entire process.
What Does WIOA Cover?
• Tuition
100% of training costs. Whether it's a 3-week CNA program or a 12-month HVAC apprenticeship, WIOA pays for it.
• Books & Materials
Textbooks, workbooks, uniforms, tools—whatever you need for training.
• Transportation
Gas money, bus passes, or mileage reimbursement to get to class.
• Childcare
If you need childcare while you're in training, WIOA can help cover it.
• Support Services
Work clothes, internet access, even emergency assistance if you're struggling.
• Job Placement Help
Resume writing, interview prep, and connections to employers hiring in your field.
How Do I Qualify?
WIOA eligibility depends on your situation. Here are the most common ways people qualify:
1. You Lost Your Job
Laid off, fired, plant closure, company downsizing—if you're unemployed through no fault of your own, you likely qualify.
2. You're Working But Struggling
Part-time hours, low wages (under $15/hour), no benefits, unstable work—WIOA helps underemployed workers upgrade their skills.
3. You Face Barriers to Employment
Disability, low income, lack of high school diploma, English as a second language, justice involvement, homelessness—WIOA is designed to help people overcome barriers.
4. You're a Veteran
Veterans get priority for WIOA services. If you served, you're likely eligible.
Not sure if you qualify? Contact us. We'll connect you with your local WorkOne center and help you through the application process.
How to Apply for WIOA
Contact Your Local WorkOne Center
Find your nearest WorkOne at in.gov/dwd/workone-centers. Call or walk in. Tell them you're interested in WIOA training.
Meet with a Career Advisor
They'll assess your eligibility, discuss your career goals, and help you choose a training program.
Choose Elevate For Humanity
Tell your advisor you want to train with us. We're an approved WIOA provider. We'll handle the enrollment paperwork.
Start Training (For Free)
Once approved, you start immediately. No tuition bills. No loans. Just focus on learning.
Need help navigating the process? We work with WorkOne centers every day. Contact us at 317-314-3757 and we'll guide you through it.
Real WIOA Success Stories
Sarah, 32 - Medical Assistant
"I was working at Walmart for $13/hour. Single mom, two kids, barely making rent. My WorkOne advisor told me about WIOA. They paid for my Medical Assistant training—21 days, completely free. Now I work at a clinic making $42,000/year with health insurance. My kids have stability. WIOA changed everything."
Graduate, 45 - HVAC Technician
"I got laid off after 15 years in manufacturing. I was 45 years old with no college degree. I thought my career was over. WIOA paid for my HVAC training—60 days, 6 certifications. I got hired before I even graduated. Now I'm making $55K with benefits and overtime. I'm 50 now and I've never been more financially secure."
Keisha, 26 - Peer Recovery Coach
"I'm in recovery. I have a record. Nobody would hire me. WIOA gave me a chance. They paid for my Peer Recovery Coach training. Now I work at a treatment center helping people like me. I make $38K/year and I'm saving lives. WIOA didn't just give me a job—it gave me purpose."