WIOA is the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, a federal law that funds job training and career services across the country. For WIOA training, San Bernardino residents usually start at an America's Job Center of California, where staff check eligibility and connect people to approved training.
If you have heard the word WIOA and wondered what it means for you, this guide explains it in plain English, without the jargon.
What WIOA Does
WIOA is the main federal law behind public workforce development in the United States, and it is the reason WIOA training in San Bernardino can be free for people who qualify. The money goes to states, then to local workforce boards, which run services in each area. In our region, that includes San Bernardino County and the wider Inland Empire.
WIOA supports a few main groups of people:
- Adults who need help finding work or building skills.
- Dislocated workers, meaning people who were laid off or lost work through no fault of their own.
- Youth and young adults who need help with school, training or a first job.
WIOA is a big reason why free job training programs for adults exist. It also answers a common question about who funds workforce development programs: much of it comes from federal dollars that are managed locally.
WIOA Training San Bernardino: How It Works
Each local area sets its own process, but the general steps look like this:
- Visit or contact an America's Job Center of California (AJCC). In our area, you can reach the East Valley America's Job Center of California at 500 Inland Center Dr, San Bernardino, (909) 382-0440 (confirm current hours at workforce.sbcounty.gov).
- Register on CalJOBS, California's online job and workforce system.
- Meet with staff to talk about your goals and check your eligibility.
- Choose a path. This could be career coaching, job search help or training with an approved provider.
- Start training and get support as you look for work.
WIOA services can include career coaching, job search help and funding for training with approved providers. What you receive depends on your situation and local rules, so confirm current details with your local America's Job Center of California.
WIOA for Dislocated Workers
If you were laid off, including dislocated tech workers who lost jobs in software, IT support or other tech roles, WIOA has a Dislocated Worker program designed for you. It can help you retrain for a new field or update your skills for the same one.
Eligibility for the Dislocated Worker program has its own rules. Bring any layoff notice or proof of job loss when you visit an AJCC, and ask staff to confirm whether you qualify.
How The Ayangbah Foundation Fits In
The Ayangbah Foundation is an adult education and career training nonprofit in downtown San Bernardino. Our Career Readiness & Entrepreneurship Employment Training is $1,200 self-pay (our application to California's Eligible Training Provider List is in progress; once approved, eligible residents may have tuition paid by the county).
- A certificate program: 40 hours over 4 weeks, in person or live online, Monday to Friday, 2 hours a day
- Topics include leadership, digital marketing, grants and financial literacy, and business development
- A career assessment and a personal 30/60/90-day plan
- Next cohort: November 2026
When you apply, our intake process includes a WIOA eligibility check and help with CalJOBS registration. That means you do not have to figure out the paperwork alone. No prior experience or diploma is required.
Tips Before Your First Visit
- Bring a photo ID and any work authorization documents you have.
- Bring proof of address and, if laid off, your layoff paperwork.
- Write down your job goals, even if they are rough.
- Ask questions. Staff are there to help you understand your options.
FAQ
Is WIOA training free?
For people who qualify, WIOA can pay for approved training, so it is often free to the student. Confirm what is covered with your local America's Job Center of California.
Can I get WIOA help if I already have a job?
It depends on your situation and local rules. Some people who are working but need better skills may qualify. Ask AJCC staff to check.
Do I have to register on CalJOBS?
CalJOBS registration is a common part of getting WIOA services in California. Our intake team can help you set up your account.
Want to find out if WIOA can cover your training? Apply online and our team will help with your eligibility check and CalJOBS registration. Then you can join our Career Readiness & Entrepreneurship Employment Training here in San Bernardino.