Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act (WIOA)

The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) provides federal funds to states to help job seekers, workers, and businesses with career services, job training, education, and workforce development. The goals of the WIOA program are to improve the quality of the workforce, increase economic self-sufficiency, meet the skill needs of employers, and enhance productivity and competitiveness.

Inherent in WIOA legislation is the alignment of the workforce development system’s six core programs, requiring unified strategic planning. WIOA places an increased emphasis on coordination and collaboration at the federal, state, and local levels to ensure that services provided to individuals and businesses are coordinated, streamlined, and aligned.

The Office of Workforce Strategy, in collaboration with its WIOA partners, submitted Connecticut's WIOA Unified State Plan for 2024 – 2027, which has been conditionally approved by the U.S. Department of Labor and Department of Education. 

The Unified State Plan outlines the state’s workforce development system’s strategy over a four-year period to assist residents, including youth and those with barriers to employment, to obtain high-quality jobs and careers, and help employers hire and retain skilled workers. 

All State Plans and archives can be found on the WIOA State Plan Portal

Two-Year Modification to the Connecticut Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Unified State Plan (PY 2026 and PY 2027)

The Office of Workforce Strategy, on behalf of the Governor’s Workforce Council submitted the Two-Year Modification of the Connecticut Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) State Plan for Program Years 2026-2027 (20 CFR § 676.135(d)) on March 3, 2026.

Under WIOA, states are required to review their State Plan every two years and submit modifications to reflect changes in labor market conditions, economic factors, and strategies to better serve our workforce (20 CFR § 676.135 and WIOA Sec. 102(c)(3)) The modification is currently under review by the federal Departments of Labor and Education.

Focus of the Modification

This modification includes updated data and strategic adjustments, specifically regarding:

• Updated Economic and Workforce Analysis conducted by the Connecticut Department of Labor’s Office of Research, reflecting current Connecticut labor market trends CT DOL Summary on Economic and Workforce Analysis (PDF)
• Labor Market Information on CT Department of Labor - Office of Research
• Revised State Strategy issued by the Governor’s Workforce Council in 2025 (PDF)
• Expected Levels of Performance for the remaining two years of the plan cycle.

Review and Feedback Instructions 

• View the Draft Modification: CT WIOA Unified State Plan Modification 2026 (PDF)
• Public Comment Period: Comments will continue to be accepted through the 90-day review period for future consideration
• How to Submit: Please send your feedback through this form
• Include your name, and whether you represent a local workforce development board or chief elected official; business; labor organization; community-based organization; state educational agency; adult education provider; faith-based organization; institution of higher education; or other stakeholder or member of the general public
• Please include the page number(s) and select the relevant section pertaining to your comments.

If there are any questions or feedback on the WIOA Unified State Plan, please contact us.

The State has five Workforce Development Boards (WDBs) which allocate their WIOA funds to local organizations that assist unemployed and underemployed individuals to succeed in the job market, gain new job skills, find a new job, complete their education, obtain training, potentially increase their income, and more. The WDBs assist employers in meeting various workforce needs, including matching them with skilled workers.