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MRGDC | Workforce Programs | Overview

Workforce Investment Act of 1998

Supercedes the Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA)

On June 30, 1999, U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexis Herman authorized Texas to begin implementing the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) of 1998. The Workforce Investment Act (WIA) is the nation's premier employment and training program. The program is federally funded and is available at no additional expense to employers and workers.

WIA requires states to streamline and consolidate their job training systems by creating a "one stop" approach to delivery of services. WIA not only replaces the Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA), but moreover establishes a new workforce development system for the nation. This new nationwide workforce system reflects many of the features already established by the Texas legislature under H.B. 1863. In Texas, the Texas Workforce Commission administers this program. Services are provided through local Workforce Centers overseen by Local Workforce Development Boards.

The Texas job training system is comprised of 28 Local Workforce Development Boards (LWDB) which are geographically located to provide coverage for the entire state. Each LWDB utilizes a network of Workforce Centers to provide services to both job seekers and employers in a centralized location. The Workforce Centers are the starting point for anyone seeking services.

Program Overview

We recognize and provide assistance and opportunity to individuals and families through our special programs and job-seeker services. We offer a wide range of employment, job search and training services - all delivered through the one-stop workforce centers.

• The Workforce Investment Act is the nation's premier employment and training program for eligible individuals. The program is federally funded and available at no additional cost to employers and workers. WIA offers unique programs and services to both youth and adults.
• CHOICES Program offers services for applicants and recipients of temporary cash assistance (TANF) and prepares them for employment through an immediate immersion into the world of work and the local labor market via:
  • Program and workforce center orientation sessions and access to information, resources, and services available
  • Employment planning and job readiness activities
  • Individual and assisted job search, job placement, and job development activities
  • Work-based activities such as subsidized employment, unpaid work skills, on-the-job training, etc.
  • Education and training services as needed, based on the needs of the labor market and the individual's skills, abilities and experience
  • Support services such as child care, transportation, and work-related expenses.
  • Employment retention and re-employment services
• Food Stamp Employment & Training (FSE&T) Program assists food stamp recipients in obtaining employment, including entering employment and training activities which will promote long-term self-sufficiency.
• Welfare-to-Work (WTW) is designed to provide employment and guidance services to those individuals who have been long-term TANF recipients and have extensive hard-to-serve barriers to employment. Support services may be more extensive.
• Employment Services are provided free of charge, and are designed to bring together workers and employers. Staff assists workers in searching through available job openings and making referrals. They also provide Job Search Seminars to teach job seekers how to find jobs on their own and how to prepare for interviews.
  • Recruiting, interviewing, and initial screening of potential employees
  • Interviewing facilities
  • Downsizing/layoff information services
  • Labor Market Information
  • Labor laws information
  • Internet access
• Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) is a federally funded program which is used to reduce the federal tax liability for private-for-profit employers who hire employees from one of the following targeted groups: TANF recipient, veteran, ex-felon, high risk youth, food stamp recipient.
• The Welfare-to-Work Tax Credit is a federal income tax credit that encourages employers to hire long-term welfare recipients. The Welfare-to-Work Tax Credit is designed to help people move from welfare to work and economic self-sufficiency.
• On-the-Job Training (OJT) provides a unique opportunity for participants who already posses some job-related skills to 'learn as they earn'. By participating in training as an employee, the participant acquires new skills, while earning wages. The employer benefits by being reimbursed for up to half of the participant's wages for 6 months, while having the service of a full-time employee.
• Rapid Response
• Project RIO
• Child Care Provider Services

Workforce Partners

Community Service Agency of South Texas, Inc. (CSA)

910 S 5th Street, Carrizo Springs, 830.876.5219

Crystal City Housing Authority

1600 N 7th Avenue, Crystal City, 830.374-374-3435

Crystal City Independent School District

805 FM 582, Crystal City, 830.374.2367

FUTURO Communities, Inc.

330 E Main Street, Uvalde, 830.278.6817

Maverick County Development Corporation (MCDC)

1200 Ferry Street, Eagle Pass, 830.773.1191 x 1124

Motivational Employment and Training, Inc. (MET)

1200 Ferry Street, Eagle Pass, 830.773.1191

San Felipe / Del Rio Consolidated School District

205 Memorial Drive, Del Rio, 830.774.9200

Senior Texans Employment Program (STEP)

Mary Lozano, 361.664.6603

Southwest Texas Junior College / TECH-PREP Program

2401 Garner Field Road, Uvalde, 830.278.4401

Texas Department of Human Services (TDHS)

701 W. 51st Street, Austin, 888.834.7406, 888.425.6889 (TDD)

Texas Migrant Council, Inc. / Migrant Head Start Program

4603 Maher Avenue, Laredo, 956.712.4141, 956.725.6958 (Fax)

Texas Rehabilitation Commission

[Regional Office] 8610 Broadway, # 310, San Antonio, 210.805.2200, 210.805.2233 (Fax), 1-800-410-7760

892 Florence, Eagle Pass, 830.773.9259, 830.773.0625 (Fax)

219 West Nopal Street, Uvalde, 830.278.6239, 830.278.1252 (Fax)

700-B E. Gibbs, Del Rio, 830.774.2748, 830.775.5932 (Fax)

Texas Workforce Commission (TWC)

Information Release Department

101 East 15th Street, Room 264

Austin, TX 78778-0001

Telephone: (512) 463-2222

Employers Hotline : 800-832-9394

Employees Hotline : 800-832-2829

Payday, Child Labor and Texas Minimum Wage Law : 800-832-9243

Tigua Indian Tribe

1200 Ferry Street, Eagle Pass, 830.773.1191 x 1152 (Frances Garcia)

United Migrant Opportunity Services, Inc. (UMOS)

[National Office ] 1.800.279.8667 or 1.800.537.3623 (TDD)

[District Office ] 1219 Matamoros St., Suite 207, Laredo, 956.729.7170, 956.729.7169 (Fax)

[Regional Office ] 1200 Ferry St., Eagle Pass, Marisa Soto, 830.773.1191 x 1175

UMOS provides a variety of employment and training services statewide to enable farm workers other disadvantaged clients to obtain full-time employment and increase their marketable skills. The services are made available through an extensive service delivery network consisting of partnerships or cooperative agreements between UMOS and the respective area Private Industry Councils, such as the Middle Rio Grande Development Council. The office of the UMOS local representative is located in the Maverick County Workforce Center in Eagle Pass.

The Middle Rio Grande Development Council is an equal opportunity employer/program/service provider. Auxiliary aids and services may be made available upon request to individuals with disabilities. For information please contact Relay Texas at (800) 735-2989, our direct voice telephone number (830) 876-3533 or our TDD telephone number (830) 876-1260. The contents of this web site are the property of the Middle Rio Grande Development Council, please do not reproduce them without the express written consent of the Council - 2012

Today Is: Saturday » February 4, 2012

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