USDOL, USDOE approve CNMI’s WIOA Unified State Plan
The CNMI governor’s State Workforce Development Board is proud to announce that the U.S. Departments of Labor and Education have approved the CNMI’s four-year Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Unified State Plan. This plan, which will take effect on July 1, 2024, and cover program years 2024 through 2027 (July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2028), is a significant milestone in our efforts to enhance workforce development across the CNMI. The Unified State Plan outlines our strategic vision to integrate workforce services, align education and training programs, and respond effectively to the needs of job seekers and employers. It reflects a coordinated approach to workforce development, emphasizing collaboration among various stakeholders, including educational institutions, employers, and community organizations.
“The approval of our WIOA Unified State Plan is a testament to our collective commitment to building a robust and inclusive workforce system,” said Gov. Arnold I. Palacios. “This plan will provide us with the framework to enhance job training programs, support disadvantaged workers, and strengthen our local economy.”
Continued funding for several key WIOA programs is provided under the plan. Administered by the Department of Labor Workforce Investment Agency, the WIOA Title I program aims to expand access to job training and employment services for adults, dislocated workers, and youth, focusing on comprehensive support for those facing barriers to employment. Under WIOA Title II, NMC’s Adult Education Office will enhance adult education and literacy programs to improve educational attainment and prepare individuals for postsecondary education and employment. Additionally, the WIOA Title IV program, through the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, will strengthen vocational rehabilitation services to help individuals with disabilities achieve their employment goals and integrate into the workforce.
Key components of the Unified State Plan include:
Enhanced Workforce Development Programs: Expanding access to job training and employment services for all job seekers, including youth and individuals facing barriers to employment.
Alignment of Education and Training: Ensuring that education and training programs are aligned with the needs of the local labor market to better prepare individuals for available jobs.
Employer Engagement: Strengthening partnerships with employers to align workforce development efforts with industry demands and support economic growth.
Innovation and Quality Improvement: Implementing innovative strategies to improve the effectiveness of services provided to job seekers and employers.
The U.S. Departments of Labor and Education have committed to providing ongoing technical assistance and support to help us implement the strategies outlined in the plan. This collaboration will be crucial in achieving our vision and goals for workforce development in the CNMI.
“The partnership with the U.S. Departments of Labor and Education are invaluable,” said Velma Ann Palacios, chairperson of the Governor’s State Workforce Development Board. “Their support will enable us to effectively implement our plan and make significant strides in improving the quality and effectiveness of our workforce services delivered by the CNMI’s public workforce system.”
For more information about the CNMI’s’ WIOA Unified State Plan and its workforce development initiatives, please visit www.cnmiwioa.gov.mp or contact the DOL Workforce Investment Agency at 670.488.1720 or email cnmiswdb@dol.gov.mp. (PR)
CNMI Labor
