WIA in New York State

Under the Workforce Investment Act, states must appoint statewide Workforce Investment Board (WIB) to help develop a state plan and the workforce investment strategies for the new system. The majority of the State Board must represent business and a businessperson must chair it (as is the case for the local WIBs). Other members include the Governor, representatives from each chamber of the state legislature, heads of key state agencies responsible for post-secondary and adult education, the employment service, economic development, community colleges, vocational education, welfare-to-work, vocational rehabilitation, and representatives of labor, and local chief elected officials. Information about the activities of the NYS Workforce Investment Board can be access via the Workforce Development System website www.wdsny.org.

At the federal level the US Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (ETA) administers the Workforce Investment Act. At the state level it is the NYS Department of Labor, Workforce Development System Division that administers WIA programs and funds, has the lead role in providing staff services to the State WIB, and is responsible for convening state partners related to workforce development issues.

Within New York State, there are 33 Workforce Investment Areas. One of these Areas is comprised of Allegany and Cattaraugus Counties. The makeup of the local Board mirrors that of the State WIB.

There is a statewide association that represents and provides services to local workforce investment areas. This association is NYATEP (New York Association of Training and Employment Professionals). To find out more about NYATEP connect with their website at www.nyatep.org

Workforce Investment Board
One Blue Bird Square
Lower Level
Olean, NY 14760
716-806-0060
mailbox@cawib.net