Organizational Overview

The Federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) provides the legislative framework for the public workforce system. The Department of Labor is the federal governing agency for WIOA and establishes regulations and administers funding. WIOA requires Workforce Development Boards (WDBs) to provide policy, planning and oversight for the local workforce system. The Lower Shore Workforce Alliance (LSWA) serves as staff to the local WDB and provides training opportunities based on local labor market demand. An agreement between the WDB, Tri-County Council for the Lower Eastern Shore of Maryland (TCC) and the Somerset, Wicomico and Worcester County elected officials forms the basis for the private/public partnership. Private industry comprises 51% or more of all WDBs with other representatives from education, social services, community based organizations, economic development, rehabilitation, organized labor, employment service and other key human service agencies. The Lower Shore Workforce Development Board meets quarterly.

WIOA assigns the responsibility for the creation of a one-stop delivery system to the local WDB. Our local American Job Center, is located at 31901 Tri-County Way in Salisbury, Maryland. Workforce partners include:

Maryland Department of Labor (DOL)

Lower Shore Workforce Alliance (LSWA)

Somerset, Wicomico, and Worcester County Departments of Social Services

Telamon

Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS)

MAC Senior Employment Program

Job Corps

SHORE UP!, Inc.

Additionally, the American Job Center extends workforce services to all areas of the Lower Shore. Seven (7) computers with wireless Internet connection allow customers to access the same services that are available at the American Job Center. Primary services include: job search featuring the Maryland Workforce Exchange at www.mwejobs.maryland.gov, resume assistance, career information and assessments, job training and business services.

More information about the organization is available at www.lswa.org or by calling 410-341-3835.