From Flexibility to Action: What States’ WIOA Waiver Requests Tell Us About the Future of Workforce Reform

This Jobs for the Future resource examines Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act waiver decisions for 40 states and territories and highlights several emerging approaches, including reaching young people earlier, expanding employer-driven training, increasing on-the-job training flexibility, and extending supportive services after people enter employment.

For Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) practitioners, the resource provides ideas for strengthening TANF–workforce partnerships and thinking beyond job placement as the end goal. Including transportation, childcare, training, and post-employment supports in the discussion is especially relevant to TANF programs working to help participants not only find jobs, but remain employed and progress toward greater economic stability.