Athens County residents who are unemployed or underemployed may be eligible for a free program that can help them find new jobs and enroll in training courses.  The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) program is funded by the federal government and offered through the OhioMeansJobs – Athens County.  It is designed to help area residents move into long-term employment opportunities.  

All training programs must result in a certificate or degree and cannot take more than two years to complete.  In addition, all participants must have a high school diploma or GED and must pass a reading and math assessment.
The WIOA program is available to dislocated workers who meet the following criteria:

• Adults who have been terminated or laid off, or received a notice of termination or layoff from employment;

• Plant closure or substantial layoff;

• Self-employed individual but is unemployed as a result of natural disasters; or general economic conditions in the community where the individual resides;

• Displaced Homemaker – homemakers who are no longer supported by family member’s income and now are unemployed or underemployed;

• Military spouse.

The OhioMeansJobs – Athens County also has additional programs to help all area residents search for jobs, earn their GED, prepare for job interview, resume classes, enroll in the OhioMeansJobs site, and take other steps to help them find employment.

For more information about Job Training Assistance, contact:
OhioMeansJobs - Athens County
510 W. Union, Suite 102
Athens, Ohio 45701
(740) 797-1405
ohiomeansjobsathenscounty@jfs.ohio.gov

This grant has taken away the financial stress of college, future check-in support system, inspiration to continue education in my field and the foundation to create my independent massage therapy business. Especially being in a very accelerated 12-month massage program when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, WIOA was a huge helping hand.

It always been a dream to work for myself and WIOA made this happen!   

– WIOA Recipient Katlyn Jackson Athens, Ohio

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