July 2010 Newsletter
Extend Your Reach with WIA
Welcome back to the ed2go Marketing Series! With government funds being released in July, there’s no time like the present to inform you of the WIA program, how it works, and how to incorporate your ed2go products. If you have never considered utilizing ed2go Online Career Training Programs in conjunction with your local Workforce Investment Board (WIB), now's the time. There's more money than ever thanks to the recent stimulus package. If you have not yet explored this option, you'll find information here to assist you in getting started. For those of you already working closely with your WIB and assisting WIA recipients with educational opportunities, you'll find helpful tips designed to facilitate and maximize those relationships. Now let's get started!
What is it? - The Adult and Dislocated Worker Program, under Title I of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998, is designed to provide quality employment and training services to assist eligible individuals in finding and qualifying for meaningful employment and to help employers find the skilled workers they need to compete and succeed in business.
Who is it for? - An adult 18 years and older who is considered a dislocated worker, a recipient of public assistance or of low income can apply for WIA funds.
Where do the funds come from? - WIA is funded through the Employment and Training Administration. Funds are distributed by formula to the states, who then funnel money to the locals WIBs.
How do I get WIA funds for my students? - Colleges and Universities must become an approved training provider by their local WIB, and submit in-demand training programs for inclusion on the Eligible Training Provider List (ETPL). Students use the ETPL to search for training options as well as approved providers. As you can see, developing a partnership with your WIB is essential in maximizing your exposure under this program. We'll have more on that later.
Once a student has been approved for WIA funding, they will evaluate eligible training provider options and choose an approved training program. If you are the approved provider selected by the WIA participant, you will be issued a voucher indicating that the student is ready to enroll in training. You will then work with your local WIB in facilitating the training of the student.
Many ed2go partners have been highly successful in utilizing online career training programs for WIA students especially in those industries that are considered high demand. Although high demand industries vary from state to state, career training programs such as Administrative Medical Specialist, Pharmacy Technician, Six Sigma Blackbelt, Medical Coding and Billing, and Project Management hold universal appeal. We recommend submitting these programs first for approval to begin a favorable partnership with your WIB that will last for years to come.
WIA Approved, Now What?
You're excited, you're pumped, you're WIA approved! But now what? How do you reach out to these students?
Building Relationships - We mentioned earlier the importance of developing a relationship with your Workforce Investment Board. Your WIB holds the key to unlocking the door to WIA approved students. Your college or university may already have a member of the workforce board putting you in a great position to facilitate a relationship. Either way, try to attend their meetings and volunteer for committees. Make your institution's presence, as well as your training options, known.
One-Stop Centers - WIBs operate what are called One-Stop centers that provide resources and services to students. At the One-Stop, potential students can take assessment tests and workshops related to job hunting. The One-Stops are seeing record numbers of traffic and provide endless opportunities to promote career training programs as a viable online option. Get to know the counselors and case managers who are working with these students daily and have a finger on the pulse regarding workforce trends. Check their meeting calendar and offer to bring an inexpensive snack in exchange for five minutes to present ed2go Career Training Programs. Ask to post flyers or drop off brochures at the One-Stop. And speaking of print marketing, you are not alone. ed2go is here to assist you with this as well.
Marketing Help - We've developed a number of flyers and brochures aimed at the following markets:
- Youth - Highlights courses that can be used for WIA youth programs.
- Healthcare - Training opportunities for the healthcare industry.
- Green Programs - Presents information related to our new green career training programs.
These flyers as well as other pre-made print marketing can be found by logging into your Career Training Program's partner website at www.gatlineducatin.com/partner. Simply customize the print piece with your (and your WIB's if appropriate) contact information, print, and distribute to the One-Stop.
Been There, Done That:
Some of you may be saying to yourself, "Been there, done that." Well, now's the time to think outside the box in regard to your institution's share of WIA funds. To maximize exposure, make use of your ed2go Online Courses in a way you may have never considered before.
New Uses for Existing Funds - Case in point, an ed2go partner in California has had overwhelming enrollment growth by addressing the Core Training Services bucket of funds under WIA. Although considered part of the WIA program, Core Training Services funds are used to meet the demand for quick and easy training solutions that some WIA recipients need. ed2go 6-week Online Courses provide low cost and quick training solutions—essential for students who may not necessarily need training for an entirely new career.
To facilitate this, a separate ed2go online instruction center was set up and co-branded with the partner school and the WIB. The partner and the WIB worked out agreeable measures in regard to drops/refunds, enrollment process, catalog and billing. Students enroll using passcodes, allowing the WIB to ensure the student is approved prior to the enrollment process. For more detailed information regarding setting a program up in your area, contact your Account Manager.
Bundles for Customized Training Solutions - Your WIB may also approve and allocate funds from Core Training Services for customized training solutions that address the region's population needs. Create custom bundles of ed2go courses and assist the WIB by creating an enrollment process for students that is documented and easily provided to them. For instance, create a bundle titled "Certificate in Web Development" that includes the following ed2go Online Courses: Creating Web Pages, Creating Web Pages II, and Designing Effective Websites.
The student takes one course per month until the bundle is complete at which time you'd present a certificate of completion to them. Bundles result in three enrollments at once instead of one customary enrollment which in turn greatly contributes to your bottom line. For more detailed information regarding bundling of ed2go short courses, contact your Account Manager.
We hope you found this information helpful. We will be holding a WIA webinar in the upcoming weeks to provide you with a more in-depth look, so please watch your email for the day and time. As always, contact your Account Manager if you have any questions. See you next time.
