In fact, we worry that low expenditures in some aspects of the program may appear to be opportunities to scale back support. In reality, we are likely to see these expenditures move up steadily as we continue to refine and hone our workforce development operations. I have polled our staff in preparation for this opportunity and have found only a few areas of concern. First, the requirement to have Training Provider Certification has backfired. The good intent to give the client a choice of providers has actually cut down the number of providers because some institutions do not think it worth the data collection and paper work that is needed to have the certification.
Participants end up with less choice.
And, the training providers are often scrutinized and accredited by other agencies, making the certification process somewhat redundant. Second, cutting back the funding for WIA is short-sighted. Expenditures are low now, but participants have had funds obligated in order to complete their programs. Participants come on board, and we need a stable funding stream to serve them and to be able to add new clients. The lower funding levels will result in lower enrollments.