Free CNA Training Through The Workforce Investment Act

It is sometimes possible to receive free CNA training through the Workforce Investment Act.  Individuals will need to determine if they qualify for benefits under the WIA.  They will then need to explore the training options available to them.  Many states and local locations do offer certified nursing assistant training as one of the possible career training tracts.  This is due in part to the fact that the majority of training programs through this act are intended to last for a few months or less.  Many certified nursing assistant courses can be completed in 3 months or less.

You might want to check out other Free CNA training options as well.

Overview of the Workforce Investment Act

The Workforce Investment Act was enacted to ensure that individuals throughout the United States have the opportunity to access training to start a new career when meeting one or more criteria.  The programs set forth under the act are also intended to help create a better pool of qualified employees for businesses.  It is intended to help businesses of various types to be able to access skilled and well trained workers for employment.

The WIA is intended to help individuals who are currently unemployed.  In some cases, there are programs to help individuals who are currently employed.  Generally speaking those programs are for individuals who earn a very low income or who do not have the skills they need to obtain better means of employment.  Men and women have the possibility of qualifying for the WIA if they are having no results in obtaining employment.  Those men and women are sometimes identified as needing to receive job training or career training in order to become more employable.

Local government has a good deal of  decision making in how they will implement the Workforce Investment Act in their area.  There are requirements that must be met under the Federal Standards that have been set. However. Locally organizations will have a great deal of control over how the terms of the Act and related funding will be used.  This allows local administrators to be able to identify the vocational careers in highest demand in their counties.  They can also respond to the needs of businesses specific to their area.

The Adult Program

The Adult Workforce Investment Act Program is designed to help individuals who have reached the age of 18 or older.  Individuals who are unemployed as a result of having been laid off by their most recent employer are often able to access training assistance under the WIA.  There are also opportunities for individuals who would be considered displaced homemakers to receive assistance.  Sometimes other individuals who have limited employment and other related struggles are also able to receive help finding employment or even training for a new career.  Training to become a CNA is often one of the training opportunities offered through the Workforce Investment Act in many areas.

The Youth Program

A Youth Workforce Investment Act is also available.  This program is for those individuals who fall into the range of 14-21.  A young person must fall under one or more qualifying categories in order to receive training assistance under the WIA.   For instance, the youth might be someone who is pregnant or who has already had a child.  They can be an individual who has previously committed a crime.

There are other criteria that a young person can meet in order to receive training help.  They can be someone who lives in foster care or someone who has run away from home or currently has no permanent resident.  Help is out there for individuals who have dropped out of school or even those who have some type of literacy skill challenge.  The Youth program is also extended to some young people who are looking to complete a training program that they already started but are having difficulty completing.

The Youth Workforce Investment Act might very well help some young people who have already graduated school or who are no longer in schools to be able to train for a career as a certified nursing assistant.  Of course, various other career training opportunities are also available.  The program is intended to help disadvantaged youth so that they can obtain gainful employment with good opportunities.

How to Access More Information

Some of the types of programs through the Workforce Investment Act vary from one state or location to another.  Of course, the general rules and regulations as well as qualifying criteria will be the same.  You can visit one of the One-Stop career centers in your area if you believe that you could qualify for help under the Workforce Investment Act.  You should be able to receive assistance here to help you determine if you do meet the qualifying factors.   This will be the time when you can then find out if any CNA programs would be available to you.

23 Responses to Free CNA Training Through The Workforce Investment Act

  1. Kathy Nimmons October 5, 2011 at 3:56 am #

    I believe I qualify for the WIA program, I’m a realtor and I’ve lost serious income in this industry since the market trends started downward. I have taken a nursing assistant course at AnMed, But it wasn’t necessary for me to become certified there. Now I need to be certified to find employment elsewhere.

    How do I find out where these WIA facilities are? How do I apply? etc.,

    • Admin October 5, 2011 at 3:48 pm #

      You need to go to a workforce office in your area to get started. They will need to approve you into the WIA program and they will recommend nearby WIA facilities where you can get trained. To find a workforce office near you go to http://www.servicelocator.org/EmploymentServices.asp

    • cassandra drummond March 23, 2012 at 4:11 am #

      I would like to get some imformation on free can classes in peoria illinois or how do I go by getting a grant that will pay for it. Thank you for your time

      • Larenteen Morrison May 29, 2013 at 4:51 am #

        Me i went through vesid if you have vesid in your area apply they pay for everything

    • Ariana Simeone May 19, 2013 at 11:55 am #

      I would like to know where to apply for assistance to become a CNA?

    • heidi swaim October 3, 2013 at 9:01 pm #

      would like inforation on WIA cna program or finiacial aide on cna course.2405 s.13 th.apt.409.temple texas.

    • Patricia Crawford March 11, 2016 at 3:14 pm #

      I have been certified but diagnosed with cancer so I had to stop working a I wanted to know if there is a way I could get financial help to take the test to renew my certificate?

  2. Keithann Florie June 12, 2012 at 7:09 pm #

    I would like to know how I can get my CNA class paid for I am a young teen mother and I want to provide better for my child! Thank you for your time!

  3. Mary Conrad August 4, 2012 at 10:35 am #

    Is California one of the states participating in the WIC? I am currently on unemployment and was a teacher for about 18 years before being laid off. Presently there are no jobs in the teaching field. I am excited to begin a new career in the nursing field and my goal is to become an R.N. Thank you for your consideration.

  4. Karen Bowden February 20, 2013 at 7:38 pm #

    I am a resident of Longview TX. I am currently unemployed and I am living in a shelter. I believe I am compassionate and patient and I am very interested in caring for the elderly. I would love to receive more information on the WIA program

    • Bill April 4, 2013 at 9:23 pm #

      WF SOL ETX LONGVIEW

      2430 S HIGH ST,STE A-1
      LONGVIEW , TX 75602
      903-758-1783
      903-234-2653 FAX

      • Admin April 4, 2013 at 9:57 pm #

        Thank you Bill for being so helpful to our readers 🙂

  5. Alison February 23, 2013 at 1:14 am #

    I am a former student and completed one semester of college. I am now a mother and wife and wish to continue my degree..would I qualify for anything?

  6. Tricia March 14, 2013 at 8:04 am #

    I’m looking to move to Dallas soon and im having somewhat of a hard time finding a job so im looking for a cna class I can get assists and take in Dallas. So if you have any info that will help me plz let me know

    • Littlemoma April 11, 2013 at 11:03 pm #

      Try redcross for cna classes. Or a local community college in Dallas they have continuing education classes like cna. Most of them have a workforce number and location they often work with.

  7. Amber Tummel May 2, 2013 at 1:25 am #

    I recently moved to winston salem I don’t know much about the area I am very passionate and want to care for others, but I have no funding available to pay for classes how do I get the process started on getting help with paying for classes I have already contacted Goodwill in my area and the health dept because the internet said they offered help but they were confused on what I was talking about.

  8. Laura Camera July 25, 2013 at 7:12 pm #

    I’m unemployed and have been looking for free training for can.I live in Battle Creek
    Michigan. Please help or any assistance.

  9. Linda Brown September 28, 2013 at 11:38 pm #

    I was recently certified can but went to work at a factory for 4 years and just totally forgot about recerfiying until recently I went to work as a housekeeper at a nurseing and rehab but I am very interested in finding out what I have to do to get certified again and I really don’t have the money to pay for classes because I only work part time could you please let me know what I can do and who might can help me

  10. Zella Haire February 20, 2014 at 12:10 am #

    I live in Leland, MS and believe I may qualify for the WIA but do not know if the program is located at the unemployment office or somewhere else. Could someone help?

  11. Jamie March 4, 2014 at 2:20 am #

    I am currently unemployed and am wanting to know if there is any free training on becoming an CNA under the WIA program.

  12. Rosalind Turner April 30, 2014 at 10:50 pm #

    I need help getting training through WIA please help, I have experience in home health, also took care of aging Mother for many years. Just relocated to thjs area, and I don’t have the funds.

  13. Letise Merrick August 1, 2014 at 4:36 am #

    I currently unemployed got layoff and a single mom I need help getting training through the wia for cna I have experience but I need to get nc certification
    And I dont have any funds

  14. bienchi nunez May 16, 2016 at 11:15 am #

    I went to the workforce to apply for the CNN training thru wia, and they told me I have to have two years of medical background. This is a training and they ask for this requirement, so what’s the training for.

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