Getting Started with Utah WIOA
As a Utah trade school, Digital Workshop Center has worked with WIOA grants for over a decade, and we understand the process involved from all sides. Our goal is to always provide the students with the best information possible so that you can make informed decisions on your next career move.
To have the best chance of success of landing a grant, we have put together some useful tips on working with Utah WIOA.
With Utah WIOA, Know Your Career Goals
When you know your career goals and the target jobs in your region, you can then make a strong case that you deserve a WIOA grant to help you be a better candidate to land the job. The best candidates are able to clearly show this plan to counselors, who then relay this information on your behalf to the decision makers that approve grant funding.
Update Your Skills. Close the Skills Gap.
As you look at current job postings, you may recognize a “skills gap” between what skills you have today and what employers are looking for in new hires. Digital Workshop Center has 15 years of experience helping Colorado & Utah WIOA students create individual employment plans to close that gap and get you back to work faster.
For example, let’s imagine a student that has a traditional marketing degree but has now been out of the workforce for a few years due to family or other constraints. As this student looks to re-enter the workforce, they need to update digital marketing skills such as search engine optimization, social media advertising, and marketing analytics.
Employers would look at these digital skills as essential to your success on the job. You would have a greater chance of employment if you are able to show that not only have the traditional skills needed to strategize marketing plans, but you also understand the digital channels needed to distribute your marketing assets today.
As a Utah occupational school, Digital Workshop Center specializes in creating customized training plan that will target your skills gap and update your skills to be competitive in today’s job landscape.
How do I get started with Utah WIOA?
When you are going to meet with your counselor, the more prepared you can be for your meeting, the better case you will present for why you deserve funding. DWC can help with an education plan that will show costs and the estimated time needed to complete the program.
If you can bring 5-10 job postings for possible employment, then you will be able to make the connection for why you need funding that much clearer to all involved.
Some Workforce Centers require that you attend a WIOA orientation meeting. Ask your counselor immediately when these orientations are scheduled so you don’t have to delay your education to attend this meeting.
To help you through the process, Digital Workshop Center has put together a complete guide to WIOA funding that walks you through the process step-by-step. Download the WIOA guide here.
What if Utah WIOA funding doesn’t cover all my education costs?
If a Utah WIOA grant does not cover the entire budget needed for your education, DWC offers many student-friendly financial aid options that to consider. There are simple payment plans with no interest and no monthly fees.
DWC also offers several scholarship options for you to consider. Currently, the Tech Skills Scholarship, Women and Tech, and Veterans Tech Skills scholarships have funding available for qualified students. It is required that you meet with a student advisor first to get the application for this scholarship.
If you want to discuss options, the best step is to schedule a time to speak with a student advisor for free and learn what will work best for your financial situation