Adults
Adults 18 and over who want training for a better job. Priority goes to people on public assistance, with low income, or who need to build basic skills.
Funding Guides · WIOA
WIOA Training Funds Explained.
WIOA is the main public program that pays for job training in the United States. Here’s who qualifies, what it covers, and the exact steps to apply through a MassHire career center in Massachusetts.
The basics
What WIOA is
WIOA stands for the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act — the main federal law that funds job training across the country. The money is federal, but each state runs the program through local offices. In Massachusetts, those offices are the MassHire career centers, and the training you can pay for must be on the state’s approved list.
WIOA is not a loan and not a scholarship you apply to online. It works through a career counselor who checks your eligibility, helps you build a plan, and approves a voucher for an approved program.
Who it’s for
The three groups WIOA serves
Dislocated Workers
People who were laid off, whose job or plant closed, or who otherwise lost work through no fault of their own — including some who received a layoff notice.
Youth
Young people ages 14–24, with services aimed at education, skills and a first career step.
Priority of service
Who gets served first
Funds are limited, so the adult program serves some people ahead of others. Priority of service goes to:
- People who receive public assistance (such as SNAP or TAFDC)
- Other low-income individuals
- People who are “basic skills deficient” (need to build reading, writing or math skills)
Veterans and eligible spouses receive priority of service across all U.S. Department of Labor–funded programs. You do not have to be in one of these groups to qualify — but if you are, you move toward the front of the line.
Source: U.S. Department of Labor, WIOA Adult program (priority of service); veterans’ priority under the Jobs for Veterans Act.
The voucher
The ITA: what it covers and what it doesn’t
The voucher is called an Individual Training Account (ITA). Here’s the honest picture:
- It pays tuition for an approved training program you choose with your counselor.
- It may cover related costs like books, fees or exam vouchers — this depends on your career center, so ask.
- There is no single statewide dollar cap in Massachusetts; the amount is set locally.
- It does not pay your living expenses. If you collect unemployment, Section 30 (below) can keep those checks coming while you train.
The approved list
Why the program must be on the ETPL
WIOA money can only pay for training that is on the state’s Eligible Training Provider List (ETPL). The ETPL is the state’s vetted list of schools and programs that have shown they lead to real jobs. If a program isn’t on the list, an ITA can’t pay for it — so one of the first things to check is whether the training you want is listed. Your career counselor can confirm this with you.
Source: Massachusetts ETPL policy (100 DCS 14.106.2, FY27).
How to apply
Step by step in Massachusetts
Exact steps vary by career center, but the path usually looks like this — and it takes roughly six to eight weeks from your first visit to an approved voucher:
- Register. Create a MyMassGov account and register on JobQuest. You need a JobQuest account before you can get training funding.
- Connect with a MassHire career center. Find your nearest location and attend a Training Information Meeting (some centers use a required video).
- Take a basic-skills assessment (often the TABE) so your counselor can build the right plan with you.
- Build a career plan and gather documents with your counselor (ID, income, work history).
- Pick an ETPL-approved program in your field.
- Get your ITA approved and start training.
Collecting unemployment? Ask about Section 30 (the Training Opportunities Program). If you train at least 20 hours a week, it can keep your unemployment checks coming and add up to 26 extra weeks of benefits. You generally must apply by your 20th compensable week. Section 30 doesn’t pay tuition — you pair it with an ITA.
Sources: MassHire career center process pages; mass.gov Training Opportunities Program (Section 30).
About Career Skills Center and state funding: Massachusetts offers
free training to eligible residents through MassHire Career Centers. Career Skills Center is working
toward approval to accept these funds. In the meantime, join our interest
list, and we will keep you posted as our programs and funding status develop. We will help you check
what you may qualify for — but only your MassHire career center can approve funding.
Your next step
See where you may fit
The quickest way to understand your options is our free check. It isn’t the official decision — only your career center can do that — but it shows which WIOA group you may fit and what to do next.
WIOA FAQ
What is WIOA?
WIOA stands for the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, the main federal law that pays for job training in the United States. Each state runs it locally. In Massachusetts, you access it through a MassHire career center.
Who qualifies for WIOA training funds?
WIOA serves three groups: Adults, Dislocated Workers (people laid off or whose jobs ended), and Youth (ages 14–24). Within the adult program, people who receive public assistance, are low income, or are basic-skills deficient get priority of service, and veterans and eligible spouses get priority across all programs. Your local career center makes the final decision.
How much does WIOA pay for training?
It pays tuition for training programs that are on the state Eligible Training Provider List (ETPL). There is no single statewide dollar cap in Massachusetts — the amount is set locally, and some career centers also help with related costs like books or exam fees. Ask your counselor exactly what yours covers.
What is an ITA?
An Individual Training Account (ITA) is the WIOA voucher that pays your tuition at an approved training provider. You choose an eligible program with your career counselor, and the ITA covers the approved cost.
Can I get paid while I train?
If you are collecting unemployment, ask about Section 30 (the Training Opportunities Program). It can keep your unemployment checks coming while you train full time and add up to 26 extra weeks of benefits. It does not pay tuition — you pair it with an ITA. You generally must apply by your 20th compensable week of benefits.
Does Career Skills Center accept WIOA funding?
Not yet. Career Skills Center is working toward approval to accept these funds and plans to offer training in healthcare, IT and the skilled trades. Only your MassHire career center can approve funding. Join the interest list for updates.