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A WIOA Fairy Tale

I thought it was time to have a little fun with WIOA and write a fairy tale. My last fairy tale was published in June of 2014 and was before WIOA legislation. To read the first workforce development fairy tale, check out the archives.


Once upon a time in a far off land called Weeoha, lived a community of residents. Many of these residents had jobs and careers, but some found themselves in need of services and assistance to get jobs. Some were reliant on the government for assistance with basic needs because they could not find jobs. Three of these residents, Jack Butcher, John Baker, and Josie Candlemaker, found themselves not satisfied with their lack of opportunity and decided to go on a pilgrimage to find the legendary Cup of Career Success.  According to urban legend, whomever drank from this cup was promised eternal employment and self-sufficient wages as long as they desired.

Jack, John, and Josie set out on foot to find the legendary cup. Their first stop was to the outskirts of town to see the wise sage, named Internet, for advice. They walked in the Hut of Enchantment and found the wise sage, sitting in the middle of the room, wearing the traditional robes, and deep in a meditative state.

“Oh wise sage, we no longer find ourselves satisfied with our unemployed status. We must find the Cup of Career Success.” lamented Jack to the sage.

The wise sage computed for a moment and replied, “Indeed you are seeking employment and monster career success, but the path to true fulfillment cannot be found on the internet alone. I can only compliment your journey. I shall provide you with directions to the promised place. Your estimated arrival time by foot is 33 minutes.”

Jack, John, and Josie set out on foot. Without gold, they could not afford to ride on a magic carpet. They walked until the found the promised place. It was a castle in a plaza, behind a tattoo parlor, and sandwich shop. The castle was all decked out with flags and signage, in the colors of red, white, and blue.

They walked in the doors and were greeted by the mystics in the reception area. The mystics guided the three to complete information on the computer. As the process was nearly over, Josie said, “but I want more. We came here to drink from the Cup of Career Success. Where is the cup, the success?”

A man appeared. “Hello brave pilgrims. Welcome to the One-Stop Career Center. Today we will discover your pathway to employment and provide you with all the necessary resources you will need to be successful.”

John went in to the back room first. The room was dimly list. John was asked to stand in the middle of the room. He found himself surrounded by the guardians of the Cup of Career Success asking him questions. One person represented employment services, another adult education services, and a third vocation rehabilitation. There were other people in the room also. Some people in the room represented support services available in the community.  There were also people representing hiring employers from in-demand industries in the room.  All of the people in the room surrounded John and after the thorough and complete assessment of his holistic need, they all held hands and chanted.

John was amazed as he felt a light entering his body. “What is this magical power?” John asked.

One of the guardians said, “It is the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act. It brings us together in person, in data management system, and in legislation, to help you.”

“But the Cup of Career Success?” John asked.

“Once you have the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, no cup can contain your success.”

Jack and Josie went in the room to experience the light and power of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act.

After leaving the One-Stop Career Center, John immediately started working as a Baker. He was excited by the admiration people had for his elaborate cakes and buttery cookies.  Before going into WIOA, Jack was having difficulty finding employment due to his criminal background, but with the light of WIOA, he was able to enter a career driving magic carpets. Josie was never satisfied with her past jobs, but after the light of WIOA, she was inspired to open her own candle making business, specializing in scents like cupcake and fairy dust.  With the light of WIOA, the three learned that they could not contain their career success to a cup. Their cups were all overflowing with success and they all lived happily ever after.

 
Comments or Questions? Feel free to reach out. I am wishing everyone in workforce land, happily ever after.
~Karen Cirincione
Email: kcirincione@gmail.com
Linked In: www.linkedin.com/in/karenjcirincione
Twitter:@kcirincione

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