The Atlanta Regional Workforce Board (ARWB) Career Resource Centers offers a variety of services to assist people seeking employment, training and education services. Your county of residence or your place of layoff determines which workforce board would serve you. Funding for training through ARWB is provided for residents who live in, or have been laid off from their jobs in Cherokee, Clayton, Douglas, Fayette, Gwinnett, Henry and Rockdale counties.
Steps for Getting Into WIA-Funded Training
Step 1 – Eligibility
Determine whether you are potentially eligible as a Dislocated Worker, based on lay-off, or an Adult (age 18+) based on Family Size and Income (pdf). If you are not eligible for WIA funding, check the Financial Aid Resources (pdf) or apply for the HOPE and Pell Grants.
Step 2 – Apply
Complete the Training Application (pdf) and deliver by mail or in person to the Career Resource Center in your county with a copy of your resume. After your application is processed, you will receive notice from the Career Resource Center of the date and time of your scheduled meeting for an introduction to center services including the computer lab, eligibility determination and to begin career assessment. You will be asked to bring items needed for eligbility to the meeting. As a part of career assessment, you will be required to complete the Tests of Adult Basic Education (TABE), the Career Scope, the Prove-It for certain occupations and the Work Ready Assessment.
Step 3 - Critical Financial Information
- Do not attend classes or pay in advance for any training that you expect to be paid for by WIA funding until your training plan is completed, signed and approved by you and your Career Advisor.
- A voucher for payment for training is the only approved method of payment.
- Consult with your Career Advisor before signing any loan applications or contracts.
- This program does not provide direct reimbursement to the student.
Things You Can Do While Your Application is Being Processed
Determine Your Career Direction
Find the best career fit for your interests and abilities with:
Download the Labor Market Research Form (pdf) and while searching for jobs ask yourself these questions:
- What jobs are available in this field?
- What wages can I expect to earn?
- Is there room for growth?
- Do I need specific training or certification?
Make sure your chosen career area is on the ARWB Occupations List and the school you want to attend is on the Georgia Eligible Training Provider List.
Register with WIN to improve your basic skills in math and language at home. For a WIN registration, send an email request to workforce@atlantaregional.com .
Contact your local technical college to schedule an appointment to take the Work Ready Assessment to earn a Work Ready Certificate.
Training Considerations
Keep the following questions in mind when making your training selection:
- Is the training sufficient to qualify you for employment in your target field?
- Is travel to the facility an issue?
- Are fees for required licenses or certifications covered expenses?
- Will you be able to attend the classes on the days/times scheduled?
- How long will the school/training last from start to completion?
- Do you have sufficient income during your retraining period? (Keep in mind that your tuition, books and supplies may be paid for through WIA training)
- Does the school/training provider offer job placement assistance upon completion of training?
- What is the placement rate and average starting wage for graduates following completion of training?
- How many recent graduates have landed jobs?
- Visit training institutions prior to making your decision. Look at the facility and talk to some of the instructors.
- Download the Training Program Research Form (pdf) for comparison of schools. Select your career goal and your training provider.
- Go to the school web site to learn class start dates and application deadlines
- Apply for admission to the school
- Complete the institution's entrance requirements to obtain a letter of acceptance into your chosen program
- Apply for HOPE and Pell Grants
Final Details
- Complete the required paperwork with your Career Advisor to obtain a payment voucher for training expenses.
- Bring a copy of your acceptance letter and course schedule to your Career Advisor at the Career Center.
- Sign the Enrollment Agreement
- Your training account will be established and a payment voucher will be issued to the training institution.
During and After Training
During your training, maintain monthly contact with your Career Advisor about your progress. At least 30 days prior to completing your training, contact your Career Advisor to begin job search preparation and resume review. Complete your training as well as any required testing for licenses and/or certifications. Begin your job search immediately and contact your Career Advisor if you need additional assistance. Check in with your Career Advisor every three months for a year after training with your progress.
Important Forms