The Workforce Investment Act provides services to eligible persons who are either economically disadvantaged, affected by business closure or layoffs, or have barriers preventing them from employment.

Services available at no charge to qualified WIA clients included skills assessment, vocational counseling, classroom training, job search skills training, on-the-job training and job placement. Funds are available for childcare and pre-employment expenses. Assistance also is available to businesses to solve employment-related problems and to economically disadvantaged youths and underemployed youths to help them gain training and employment skills.