Unemployed workers in Rhode Island may be eligible for up to $4,000 in free short-term training through the federal Workforce Investment Act (WIA), according to the RI Dept. of Labor and Training. Once career counselors at netWORKri assess an applicant’s WIA eligibility and suitability for training, they may place that worker in one of 100 WIA-approved programs in such areas as business management, welding, dental assistant training, cosmetology, certified nursing assistant training, and call center certification. The more than 20 training providers for Rhode Island include New England Institute of Technology, Community College of Rhode Island, Family Resource Community Action, MTTI and the International Yacht Restoration School. For a complete list of WIA-approved training programs, visit the RI Dept. of Labor and Training web site at www.dlt.ri.gov/wio/programs.htm.

To set up an assessment with a netWORKri career counselor, the public is invited to call 888-616-JOBS (5627) or visit their nearest netWORKri center:

• netWORKri Providence, One Reservoir Ave.
• netWORKri Pawtucket, 175 Main St.
• netWORKri Woonsocket, 219 Pond St.
• netWORKri West Warwick, 1330 Main St.
• DLT Reemployment Office, Middletown Satellite, 73 Valley Rd.

The federal Workforce Investment Act offers a comprehensive range of workforce development activities that promote an increase in the employment, job retention, earnings, and occupational skills improvement by participants.

The netWORKri One-Stop Career Centers offer employment services to both job seekers and area employers and are managed and operated by the RI Dept. of Labor and Training, a netWORKri partner. Other netWORKri partners include Workforce Solutions of Providence/Cranston; the Workforce Partnership of Greater Rhode Island; the RI Dept. of Education; the RI Dept. of Human Services; the RI Dept. of Elderly Affairs; the RI Dept. of Children, Youth and Families; the RI Dept. of Corrections; the Office of Rehabilitation Services; Goodwill Industries; and SER-Jobs for Progress.

About the RI Department of Labor and Training
The RI Department of Labor and Training offers employment services, educational services and economic opportunity to both individuals and employers. DLT protects Rhode Island's workforce by enforcing labor laws, prevailing wage rates and workplace health and safety standards. The department also provides temporary income support to unemployed and temporarily disabled workers. For more information on the programs and services available to all Rhode Islanders, please call the RI Department of Labor and Training at (401) 462-8000 or visit the web site at www.dlt.ri.gov.

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