Targeted Occupations

Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) funds are used to fund the cost of training
that prepares individuals to work in occupations that are critical to the growth and
competitiveness of the targeted industries. Training is funded through Individual Training
Accounts to assist with the cost of tuition, fees, books, and other training-related costs.

Occupations selected for targeting meet the following criteria:

• The occupation is a key occupation that supports at least one of the targeted industries.
• The entry-level wage is greater than the Board’s Self-Sufficiency Wage (SSW) Standard.
• The occupation will add more than 100 jobs between 2014 and 2024.
• The occupation will grow at a rate of 10% or more between 2014 and 2024.
• The Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that formal training is needed to enter the occupation.

Exceptions may be made in cases where sufficient data does not exist to support targeting but
input from employers or other relevant sources establishes that training funds are needed to
address a significant skills shortage or skills gap.

Based on a review of labor market information the following occupations are targeted for WIOA expenditures. The 38 occupations are projected to offer an average of 1,655 job openings per year through the year 2024. Over 77% of job openings are projected to be middle-skilled occupations requiring education beyond a high school diploma but less than a Bachelor’s Degree. The remaining 23% are high-skilled occupations that require a Bachelor’s Degree or higher.