DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

DIVISION OF WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

Lawrence Benders, Executive Assistant to the Mayor
1020 Bolivar Ave.
Cleveland, Ohio 44115
216-664-4673
Fax: 216-664-2951

Economic Development Home Page

The Division of Workforce Development is responsible for operations under the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (WIA) Law 105-220. It is the purpose of this Act to establish programs and to create a new comprehensive, workforce investment system.

The system is to be customer-focused: to help individuals access the tools they need to manage their careers through information and high quality services, and to help companies find skilled workers. The goals are to increase employment retention and earnings of participants, to improve the quality of the workforce to sustain economic growth, to enhance productivity and competitiveness, and to reduce welfare dependency. Satisfaction of these goals will aid in improving the quality of the workforce and enhancing the productivity and competitiveness of the Nation.

The U.S. Department of Labor transmits WIA funds to the Governors. In Ohio, the Governor has designated Ohio Workforce Areas (OWA's) throughout the State. The city of Cleveland and Cuyahoga County have been designated OWA #3.

MISSION

To provide and coordinate access to a variety of workforce development services and programs for the workforce area customers seeking education, job training support services, job placement, and retention.