ACTION BULLETINS (PY 2003)

AB - 35 New Individual Training Account (ITA) Policy

AB - # 35

Effective Date: 07/01/04

ACTION BULLETIN




TO: One-Stop Career Centers

DATE: May 17, 2004

SUBJECT: Individual Training Account (ITA) Policy

Purpose of Bulletin:
The Local Workforce Investment Board is required under the Workforce Investment Act to set policies for Adults and Dislocated Workers using training services that define time limits and dollar limits (caps). The purpose of this bulletin is to discuss the changes related to ITA limits.

Due to the limited amount of training dollars and the increased demand for ITA’s, Alameda County is in a position to reassess its ITA policies. In addition, there are different usage rates and training fund levels (approved by the four WIBs) that have impacted the regional system. Therefore, a review of the Eastbay Works ITA Policies are also under discussion. Years ago, the (former) Operations Committee was advised that EASTBAY Works was working to establish regional guidelines for ITA’s and OJT’s. In June of 2000 the Operations Committee felt regional (EASTBAY Works) guidelines should be adopted. Staff was directed to continue to meet and bring back the regional recommendations. The EASTBAY Works (EBW) Procurement Team met on July 12, 2000 to set forth and agree on regional guidelines for ITA’s and OJT’s. EBW regional guidelines have been operational for four years.

After over 3 years and recent ongoing meetings of the EBW Procurement Team, a full review of our ITA was initiated. In addition for Alameda County, a statewide survey was also done in order to assess the best policy for our Area. A survey of our One-Stop counselors was completed to get their feedback on past experiences and practices. Based on both surveys a $4,000 ITA training limit seemed reasonable.

The Alameda County Workforce Investment Board approved a set of new ITA policies at their May 13, 2004 meeting. These policies are attached.





New Individual Training Account (ITA) Policies

1. ITA’s will be capped/limited to $4,000 (this amount is meant to be an average) over a five-year period. Under special circumstances, on a case-by-case basis and with proper justification, a counselor could request a waiver to exceed the $4,000 limit from the One-Stop Manager. The One-Stop Manager may approve waivers to amounts not to exceed $6,000. Any waiver request that exceeds $6,000 must be approved by the WIB ITA Account Manager.

2. If similar training (curricula and timeframes) is available at both a public and private training institution, the local WIB would only pay up to the cost of the public training institution. (The WIA registrant could opt for the private school but would only receive an ITA for an amount equal to the Public Schools cost.)

3. Maximum training time will be 2 years.

4. ITA’s and OJT’s can be combined as long as it stays under a $5,000 cap. Under special circumstances, on a case by case basis and with proper justification, a counselor could request a waiver to exceed $5,000 from the One-Stop Manager. The One-Stop Manager may approve waivers to amounts not to exceed $6,000. Any waiver request that exceeds $6,000 must be approved by the ITA Account Manager.

5. ITA’s will apply to both adults and dislocated workers and will be effective July 1, 2004.

Information & Inquiries:


Roy Bertuccelli
Workforce Development Specialist
510 259-3833
"rbertuccelli@acgov.org"