WIA, or Work Force Investment Act, was established in 1998.

The Tule River Workforce Development Department (TRWDD) provides services to all eligible Native Americans within Tulare County.  Tulare County is primarily agricultural land, with the population being centered in three urban areas, four smaller cities, and numerous smaller cities, and numerous small towns and farming communities.  

The Indian population is centered on the Tule River Indian Reservation, which is located 17 miles southeast of Porterville.  There is also a significant Indian population in the Porterville, Visalia, Tulare and Dinuba areas in Tulare County.

PROGRAM DESIGN & GOALS

The TRWDD has designed its program to offer customers specific training, employment, and other supportive services.  Once a customer's need is identified, eligibility for the program is determined.  An assessment is conducted of the customer's work history, employment goals, and needs.  After reviewing the information, an Employability Development Plan (EDP) is provided to the customer to determine the specific services needed from the program.  Depending on the customer's needs, the EDP may include more than one program component.  (i.e., Classroom Training and Adult Work Experience.)

The TRWDD will work with the Tule River Tribal Programs on the reservation and the public sectors off the Reservation.  The TRWDD staff will contact and/or attend regular monthly meetings with each of the following agencies:

• Tulare County Workforce Investment Board

• Porterville Employment Connection

• Tule River Economic Development Corporation

• Porterville Employment Development Department

• Tule River Tribal Council

• Tule River Fire Department

• Tule River Indian Health Center

• Tule River Housing Authority

• Eagle Mountain Casino

These organizations represent and coordinate training and employment for the major employers through out Tulare County.  They are active in promoting the economic development in various areas in the county and provide TRWDD with anticipated labor force needs, current demands, and the program is developed to meet these needs.

The TRWDD/Tule River Tribal Council has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Tulare County Employment Connection/One-Stop, for referral services for all four sites within Tulare County.  The approved sites are Visalia, Porterville, Dinuba, and Tulare.  The TRWDD will be responsible for referring those individuals to the Employment Connection for services.

For Further WIA information, contact Teri Dobson

559-784-6135