Skip main navigation

Outdated or Unsupported Browser Detected
DWD's website uses the latest technology. This makes our site faster and easier to use across all devices. Unfortunatley, your browser is out of date and is not supported. An update is not required, but it is strongly recommended to improve your browsing experience. To update Internet Explorer to Microsoft Edge visit their website.

  2. Employment & Training
  3. Partners
  4. WIOA Title I-A & I-B
  5. Policy & Procedure Manual
  6. 7.3 Eligible Institutions and Program Types

<

7.3 Eligible Institutions and Program Types

>

7.3.1 Eligible Institution Types

Effective date: March 16, 2022

For an institution to be eligible for the Eligible Training Programs List (ETPL), it must be one of the following:

  1. an institution of higher education;1
  2. an entity that carries out programs registered under the National Apprenticeship Act or a recognized State apprenticeship agency;2
    OR
  3. another public or private institution that provides training services (e.g., community-based organizations, joint labor-management organizations, and eligible providers of adult education and literacy activities under Title II of WIOA).3

    Note: For purposes of Title I-B programs, DWD-DET considers an "eligible provider" of adult education and literacy activities under WIOA Sec. 203, to be an organization that is receiving Title II funding. Title II eligible providers will only be included on Wisconsin's ETPL if their program(s) offers adult education and literacy activities in combination with occupational skills training.4 In Wisconsin, these programs are referred to as "Integrated Education and Training (IET)" programs and they must be approved by the Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS) Office. Only Title II eligible providers with WTCS-approved IET programs will be considered for Wisconsin's ETPL.

DWD-DET may require institutions to provide documentation demonstrating compliance with this section.

7.3.2 Eligible Program Types

Effective date: March 16, 2022

For a training program to be eligible for the Eligible Training Programs List (ETPL), the eligible institution must directly provide1 the program of training services and it must do so through one or more courses/classes or through a structured regimen.2 Programs may be delivered in-person, online, or through a blended approach of in-person and online.3 Successful completion of the program must lead to one or more of the following outcomes:

Note: Training programs may include non-credentialed training or single courses that fall within a career pathway.5

DWD-DET considers the following types of programs to be ineligible for Wisconsin's ETPL:

  • those that are avocational or recreational in nature and not leading to a vocational objective;6
  • those that are parochial or denominational in character and/or have a sectarian objective;
  • those that are conducted by employers exclusively for their employees;7
  • those that are considered on-the-job-training, customized training, incumbent worker training, internships, work experience, or transitional jobs as defined by WIOA;8
  • those that are primarily focused on offering career services as addressed in 20 CFR § 678.430;
  • those that are designed or tailored for one specific person that are not available for others to take;
  • those that constitute the related-instruction component of a youth apprenticeship program;
    and
  • those that are offered free of charge.9

DWD-DET may require institutions to provide documentation demonstrating compliance with this section.



Institution of Higher Education

Effective date: September 2, 2019

An "institution of higher education" means an educational institution that:

  • is a public or other nonprofit institution that is legally authorized within the state to provide a program of education beyond secondary education;
  • is accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting agency or association OR has been granted preaccreditation status and the U.S. Department of Education (USDOE) has determined that there is satisfactory assurance that the institution will meet the accreditation standards within a reasonable amount of time;
  • admits as regular students only individuals who have a certificate of graduation from a post-secondary school (i.e. high school) or the recognized equivalent;
    AND
  • provides an educational program that:
    • awards a bachelor's degree upon successful completion OR
    • is not less than two years and is acceptable for full credit toward a bachelor's degree OR
    • awards a degree that is acceptable for admission to a graduate or professional degree program (subject to review and approval by the Secretary of the Department of Education) OR
    • provides not less than a one-year program of training to prepare students for gainful employment in a recognized occupation.

20 U.S.C. § 1001



Eligible Providers of Adult Education and Literacy Activities under Title II

Effective date: September 2, 2019

Examples of "eligible providers of adult education and literacy activities under Title II" are outlined in WIOA Section 203(5).

Types of programs include:

  • academic instruction and education services below the post-secondary level that increase an individual's ability to (a) attain a secondary school diploma or its recognized equivalent, (b) transition to post-secondary training, or (c) obtain employment;
  • English literacy and language acquisition; and
  • workforce preparation that may or may not be integrated with training for a specific occupation or occupational cluster.

WIOA Secs. 203(1), (2) & (11); 81 FR 56115



Occupational Skills Training

Effective date: September 2, 2019

"Occupational skills training" is an organized program of study that provides specific vocational skills that lead to proficiency in performing actual tasks and technical functions required by certain occupational fields at entry, intermediate, or advanced levels.

20 CFR § 681.540



Recognized Postsecondary Credential

Effective date: September 2, 2019

A recognized postsecondary credential is:

  • an industry-recognized certificate or certification
  • a Certificate of Completion of a Registered Apprenticeship
  • a license recognized by the state or federal government
    OR
  • an associate or bachelor's degree.

WIOA Sec. 3(52)

Note: DOL has indicated a hesitation to define "industry recognized credential" because it is "an evolving term and defining it in the regulation may limit future innovation around industry-relevant training." 81 FR 56172

^

Back to Top

^