Workforce Investment Act

Sandoval County Contact: Sylvia Roybal (sroybal@wccnm.org)

The Federal Workforce Investment Act (WIA) provides for direct grants to area businesses through the New Mexico Workforce Connection (NMWC), for the purpose of customized and incumbent worker training and to assist with certain expenses associated with skills upgrade training for full-time employees. 

The Customized Training Program and the On-The-Job Training (OJT) Program both provide opportunities for employers to receive financial assistance for training new and existing employees in the skills needed to perform effectively. 

Applications for Customized Training is designed for full-time employed workers and is open to all companies within the Central Region’s four-county areas and must meet criteria for the self-sustaining goal as approved by the NMWC.  Funding limits vary based on dollars available and criteria for the self-sustaining goal as approved by the NMWC.

The OJT program allows you, the employer, financial reimbursement of up to 50% of the OJT employee’s wages during the training period (up to six months) for training specific to the employee’s needs.  The NMWC will determine WIA participant eligibility, but it is important that you, the employer, conduct all interviews and you select the applicant who best fits your needs.

Both training components are simple to apply for, to administer and to monitor – a very cost  effective process!  Should you have any questions, please contact one of the Business and Career Centers within the NMWC Central Region.