Eligible Training Provider List Purpose

1. The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) is designed to provide job seekers with equitable access to the education, training, and support services needed to succeed in today's labor market. It also helps employers connect with a diverse, skilled workforce that strengthens their competitiveness in the global economy. In Illinois, the Eligible Training Provider List (ETPL) supports WIOA’s mission by listing state-approved training providers and programs that can be accessed through an Individual Training Account (ITA). This list ensures that WIOA customers have access to high-quality training opportunities with a focus on helping customers connect with programs that support long-term, sustainable employment. 
2. As a vital piece of the State’s one-stop job center system, the ETPL must be universally available and accessible to the public. The ETPL is administered through coordination between the State and Local Workforce Innovation Areas (LWIAs) to help customers access quality training opportunities that support long-term employment and career advancement. However, Local Workforce Innovation Boards may identify priority occupations within programs for funding purposes.  The ETPL gathers and maintains helpful information on training providers, their services, and the quality of their programs. Informed consumer choice in selecting an eligible training provider, job-driven training programs, training provider performance, accountability, and continuous improvement measures are woven throughout this policy.
3. The federal WIOA legislation empowers states to develop processes for determining eligible programs and training providers. Using these processes, the State ETPL Coordinator at the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Office of Employment and Training (OET), will approve and make eligible programs and providers available. This ETPL will document relevant information about training programs available to job seekers eligible for WIOA benefits under Title I, Subtitle B Adult, Dislocated Worker, and Out-of-School Youth (OSY) aged 16-24.
4. In developing ETPL policies and procedures, the State has consulted with stakeholders to identify the following essential principles:
   1. Customer Focus – Eligible customers and career planners can easily access reliable occupational wage and demand information, available training programs, and transparent information regarding program costs and performance outcomes.
   2. Informed Consumer Choice – Industries and occupations identified as high-growth, high-demand, project skills shortages, pay family-sustaining wages, and play vital roles in regional economies are well-represented on the ETPL.
   3. Training Delivery Flexibility Assurance – This policy prioritizes including several learning and training methods (in-person, virtual, daytime, and nighttime, accommodating persons with disabilities) to expand consumer opportunities in varying life circumstances.
   4. Program Quality – Training programs included on the ETPL develop skills, lead to recognized credentials, and are responsive to priority industry sectors tied to in-demand occupations. Program information will be accurate, transparent, and easily accessible.
   5. Local Input—The policy utilizes the state's ability to allow local input, as granted by WIOA to Local Workforce Innovation Boards (LWIBs).
5. This policy contains the following sections:
   1. Training Service Delivery Mechanisms; Section 7.2.2.1
   2. Eligible Training Providers and Programs of Study; Section 7.2.2.2
   3. State and Local Roles and Responsibilities; Section 7.2.2.3
   4. State and Local ETPLs; Section 7.2.2.4
   5. Training Provider Responsibilities; Section 7.2.2.5
   6. General Initial and Continued Eligibility Process for Training Providers and Training Programs; Section 7.2.2.6
   7. Initial Eligibility of Training Providers and Training Programs; Section 7.2.2.7
   8. Continued Eligibility of Training Providers and Training Programs; Section 7.2.2.8
   9. Registered Apprenticeship Programs; Section 7.2.2.9
   10. Training Provider or Training Program, Information Updates; Section 7.2.2.10
   11. Denial of Eligibility of Training Providers and Training Programs; Section 7.2.2.11
   12. Revocation of Training Providers and Training Programs; Section 7.2.2.12
   13. Notification of Final Determination of Denial or Revocation and Appeal Procedures for Training Providers; Section 7.2.2.13
   14. Reporting Requirements and Performance Data for Eligible Training Providers; Section 7.2.2.14
   15. Monitoring and Oversight of Eligible Training Providers; Section 7.2.2.15
6. The ETPL Policy Definitions (see the Attachments tab) are included as a resource to assist with understanding the terms within this policy.