LaGRANGE — Circles of Troup County will host a WIOA orientation 6:15 p.m. Thursday for people interested in starting training and education programs.

The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act — formerly Workforce Investment Act — is designed to help job seekers access employment, education, training and support services. WIOA provides funding for those eligible and interested in a variety of short-term training programs such as CDL, Patient Care Technician, HVAC, manufacturing certificate, project management professional and more.

At the orientation, additional information will be provided about WIOA programs that help fund long-term programs such as nursing, welding and more at technical schools.

The orientation is open to adults in the community.

Circles of Troup County works with individual families living in poverty who want to move to self-sufficiency. Accessing programs like WIOA training and education programs is often a resource that helps adults prepare for better jobs.

“We have several people who have successfully received significant funding for school through WIOA. One of the challenges to accessing this resource is that applications, orientation and assessments are available during weekday work hours only,” said Sherri Brown, director of Circles of Troup County. “We wanted to provide an opportunity for working adults in our community to attend an orientation without taking time off from work. Our volunteers are also providing free childcare.”

Applications for the WIOA programs are available at the WIOA office at Georgia Department of Labor or at the Circles of Troup County office located in the Mike Daniel Recreation Center in LaGrange.

A completed application, identification and Social Security numbers for all household members are needed for certification for the WIOA program, which can take place during the orientation.

The orientation will begin at 6:15 p.m. Thursday at Troup Baptist Association, 1301 Washington St. in LaGrange. Childcare provided.

For information about Circles of Troup County, see circlesoftroup.org.