Continuing Education

The Adults and Dislocated Workers 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. Services are provided through JobLink Centers. Training services are available to those who have been unable to find employment through intensive services. Customers are linked to job opportunities in their communities, including both occupational training and training in basic skills. Participants use an "individual training account" to select an appropriate training program from a qualified training provider.

UNC Charlotte Extended Academic Programs is a qualified training provider listed with www.ncstars.org.  You may choose two or three programs for discussion with the Workforce Development Board representatives.  If a program you are interested in is not listed on the ncstars website, please call 704-687-8900 about seeking approval. 

In the Charlotte (Mecklenburg county) area:
The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Workforce Development Board is now called CharlotteWorks.
Step 1: Register at www.charlotteworks.com by responding to a few basic questions. (Click on “Job Seekers”; then click on “Getting Started.”)
Step 2: Register for and attend a general orientation about services at one of their two locations: South Boulevard JobLink or the Employer Engagement Center (EEC).  (This is done after completing initial profile questions at www.charlotteworks.com)
Step 3: After attending Orientation, complete your profile at www.charlotteworks.com.
Step 4: View the WIA Information PowerPoint on the website (under “My Tools” tab on individual profile)
Step 5: Print the document “Next Steps” under “My Tools” and begin the process OR Visit the Resource Center at South Boulevard JobLink or the EEC and obtain a printed copy. OR Visit a SNAP site and ask for help in printing a copy. OR Ask a representative at South Boulevard JobLink or the EEC for help.

QUESTIONS? Email nextsteps@charlotteworks.com. For more information about the WIA process and eligibility in Mecklenburg county, visit http://www.charlotteworks.com/Job-Seekers/About-Us/Workforce-Investment-Act-WIA. CharlotteWorks has also created an FAQ sheet to help guide prospective students through the process.

In other North Carolina counties outside Mecklenburg:
An orientation is required to find out if you qualify. To register for WIA Orientation, please visit a JobLink Career Center: http://www.centralinaworks.com/Website/JobLinkSubpage.asp. After the orientation, please schedule an appointment with an Intake Specialist, who will need the following documentation:

• A photocopy of your valid Social Security Card
• A photocopy of your Driver’s License or State ID with current address (or recent utility bill/landlord statement to confirm your new address)
• Proof of Citizenship or Authorization to work in the United States:
• Birth certificate
• Hospital record of birth
• Passport
• Photocopy of DD214 (Military veteran’s Report of Separation)
• Alien Registration Card
• Naturalization Certificate
•  Print-out of a recent resume, preferably available as an electronically transmittable document
•  Photocopy of high school diploma/GED/college degree transcript (highest level attained)
•  Results of your application for financial aid.  Go to www.fafsa.gov and print a confirmation of your completed application.  If you are in default on any Federal loans, you will be not eligible for WIA funds.  Please note that financial aid cannot be applied to Continuing Education non-credit programs.

The following documentation may also be needed depending on your circumstances:

•  Photocopy of Selective Service Registration Card of printout of your registration form from www.sss.gov (applies only to males born on or after 1/1/1960)
• Unemployment Insurance/Compensation Benefits statement
• Employer layoff notification
• Verification of six months household income (for Adult Services Program only)

The Intake Specialist will set up your appointment with a Case Manager to discuss your specific training needs.  If the program you are interested in is marked “Special Approval,” you will also need to submit a written request to the case manager, who will then forward it to the appropriate parties.  While this may be done by mail or fax, email is preferred in order to expedite the process.  Requests must include the following information:

• The name of the student and the case manager.
• The name of the training program and provider.
• The time parameters of the training.
• The total cost of training, including tuition, fees, books, and supplies.
• Other training providers considered and why they are not a good option.
• Explanation as to why this provider would best fit your training needs.

General Information:
If the cost for the training will exceed the local area limit (in Mecklenburg County, the limit is $3,500 per program year for up to two years or $7,000 maximum) you must provide documentation as to how additional funds will be obtained – i.e., scholarships, student loans, personal savings, or other resources.

Once your case manager has received the written request and documentation, he/she will forward it to the appropriate parties.  Requests must be approved by both the local JobLink center supervisor AND the Workforce Development Board. Depending on the nature of the request, this process could take up to twelve weeks. 

In all cases, before providing you with a WIA Voucher and Authorization to register, your case manager will ask for some forms, such as the Financial Award Analysis, to be signed by the training provider’s business office.  For UNC Charlotte Continuing Education programs, please bring these forms to UNC Charlotte Center City, 320 E. 9th Street, 4th floor, Suite 421, Charlotte, NC 28202, during regular business hours.