Career Development & Training
The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Career Development and Training Program helps eligible individuals gain the skills, credentials, and training needed to obtain employment, advance in their careers, and achieve long-term economic self-sufficiency.
CareerSource Polk provides a range of career and training services designed to prepare individuals for employment in occupations that are in demand throughout the region.
Available Services
Career Services
- Career exploration and planning
- Labor market information
- Job search assistance
- Résumé development
- Interview preparation
Individualized Services
- Personalized career guidance
- Employment planning
- Supportive service referrals
- Ongoing case management
Training Services
- Industry-recognized credentials
- Vocational certificates and diplomas
- Degree programs
- Apprenticeship-related training
- Employer-based training opportunities
Tuition Assistance
Eligible WIOA participants may receive tuition assistance of up to $10,000 for approved training activities.
Funding may be available for:
- Tuition and instructional costs
- Books and required materials
- Application, registration, and laboratory fees
- Required academic support services
Training assistance is awarded based on participant eligibility, assessment outcomes, career goals, labor market demand, available funding, and the likelihood that the training will result in successful completion and employment.
Training Opportunities
CareerSource Polk supports informed customer choice by providing access to a variety of training opportunities that lead to employment and career advancement.
Training options may include:
- Individual Training Accounts (ITAs)
- On-the-Job Training (OJT)
- Customized Training
- Apprenticeship-related training
- Other workforce training services authorized under applicable federal, state, and local workforce programs
Individuals interested in classroom-based training funded through an Individual Training Account (ITA) may explore approved training providers and programs through Florida’s Eligible Training Provider List (ETPL). (To access the ETPL, go to EmployFlorida.com, scroll down to Job Seekers>Education & Training, and then click “ETPL Approved Programs”.)
Employer-based training options, such as On-the-Job Training and Customized Training, may be available through participating employers and are subject to separate eligibility and program requirements.
Workforce Priorities
CareerSource Polk prioritizes workforce investments that support regional economic growth and employer demand.
Priority consideration may be given to training that prepares participants for occupations identified on the Regional Targeted Occupations List (TOL) and supports the following targeted industry sectors:
- Advanced Manufacturing
- Agriculture & Agri-technology
- Aviation & Aerospace
- Health Sciences
- Logistics, Supply Chain & Distribution
While priority consideration may be given to these occupations and industries, eligible participants may pursue other training opportunities when supported by assessment results, career goals, labor market information, and a reasonable expectation of successful employment outcomes.
Explore Training Resources
Florida Eligible Training Provider List (ETPL)
The ETPL is maintained by the State of Florida and includes approved training providers and programs that may be considered for Individual Training Account (ITA) funding.
To access the ETPL, go to EmployFlorida.com, scroll down to Job Seekers>Education & Training, and then click “ETPL Approved Programs”.
Regional Targeted Occupations List (TOL)
View occupations currently in demand throughout the region.
View the Regional Targeted Occupations List
Important Information
Eligibility for WIOA-funded training services is determined on an individual basis.
Approval of training funds is not guaranteed and is subject to:
- WIOA eligibility requirements
- Assessment and career planning results
- Alignment between the training program and the participant’s career goals
- Labor market demand and employment opportunities
- Training readiness and likelihood of successful completion
- Availability of funding
- CareerSource Polk policies and program requirements
Inclusion of a provider or program on Florida’s Eligible Training Provider List (ETPL) does not guarantee approval of WIOA-funded training assistance through CareerSource Polk. Participants must receive approval from CareerSource Polk prior to enrolling in training if they wish to be considered for WIOA-funded training assistance.
Who Can Participate?
Individuals may be eligible for WIOA Career Development and Training services if they:
- Are unemployed; or
- Have received notice of a layoff or termination from employment; or
- Are employed but earning wages below Polk County’s self-sufficiency standard.
Participants must also:
- Be at least 18 years of age;
- Meet applicable WIOA eligibility requirements;
- Complete CareerSource Polk’s assessment and career planning process; and
- Demonstrate through assessment and career planning activities, the readiness and commitment to successfully complete training and pursue employment in the selected career field.
Interested? Please review and complete Steps 1-7 below (Read Carefully).
Through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) program, you may receive career guidance and possibly financial assistance to help with your occupational skills training. Tuition, as well as training-related costs, such as books, training supplies, uniforms/shoes required, and certification/licensure fees required after completion of training may be covered.
Job seekers interested in training assistance must:
- Register in Employ Florida (EF). Registration is required to participate in the program. If you are already registered, you may need your Employ Florida username to complete the My CareerSource Polk Scholarship Pre-Screening Form.
- Review Florida’s Eligible Training Provider List (ETPL) and identify a training program that supports your career goals. Training programs funded through an Individual Training Account (ITA) must generally be available through the ETPL. Selection of a provider or program does not guarantee approval for WIOA-funded training assistance. (To access the ETPL, go to EmployFlorida.com, scroll down to Job Seekers>Education & Training, and then click “ETPL Approved Programs”.)
- Meet the training provider’s admission requirements and be accepted into your selected training program.
- Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), if your selected training program is eligible for federal financial aid.
- Complete the required My CareerSource Polk Scholarship Orientation by reviewing the online orientation materials HERE.
- Gather the required documentation. The orientation outlines all documents that must be submitted with your application. Be sure to sign and save the Orientation Attestation Form.
- Complete and submit the Pre-Screening Form. Once your WIOA Pre-Screening Form has been submitted, you will receive an email notifying you that it has been received and will be reviewed in the order that it has been received.
Important Notice
Inclusion of a provider or program on Florida’s Eligible Training Provider List (ETPL) does not guarantee eligibility for, or approval of, WIOA-funded training assistance through CareerSource Polk.
Training assistance is awarded on a case-by-case basis and is subject to participant eligibility, assessment results, career goals, labor market demand, training readiness, likelihood of successful completion and employment, available funding, and applicable CareerSource Polk policies.
Participants must receive CareerSource Polk approval prior to enrolling in training if they wish to be considered for WIOA-funded training assistance.