Massage Therapist Training & the Workforce Investment Act (WIA)

According to the State of California Employment Development Department (EDD), “California will receive approximately $454 million from the federal government this year for workforce development activities.”  These activities are made possible by the Workforce Investment Act (WIA), which is the largest single source of federal funding for workforce investment.  Offered through statewide and local organizations, these activities assist a wide range of workers including; low-income adults and youth, new entrants to the workforce, Veterans, laid off workers and persons with disabilities.  By promoting an increase in the employment, job retention, earnings, and occupational skills of its customers, the WIA positively impacts the quality, productivity and competitiveness of our nation.   

Sometimes known as One-Stop Career Centers, Comprehensive Job Centers are the means through which WIA services are made available.  Staffed with employment Counselors, WIA customers receive evaluations of their eligibility for education programs, job training, and student financial aid.  Counselors also provide up-to-date information on job vacancies, employment trends and the skills needed for “in-demand” jobs.  In some cases WIA services extend to financial aid for training so individuals may obtain employment that will lead to “personal self-sufficiency”, a main goal of the Act.  Those who qualify may select a pre-approved training provider from the Employment Development Department’s (EDD) Eligibility Training Providers’ List which can be found on-line at www.etpl.edd.ca.gov).

So, what does all that have to do with Massage Therapist Training?  Last year, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BOL) reported that the Massage Therapy Industry yielded over 153,700 jobs in 2010 and expects growth to continue at 20% thru 2018.  That is faster than any other job sector, boosting the Massage Therapy Profession’s status to an “in-demand” career choice.   In addition, the BOL reported that Massage Therapists earn on average $45 an hour with some earning as much as $80 per session, making it a financially viable career that can “lead to personal self-sufficiency”, another goal  for WIA participants.  And finally, the BOL ‘s prediction that the continued demand for massage services will lead to new openings in an array of public and private settings such as Hospitals, Doctors’ offices, Clinics, and Corporations making the pursuit of licensure in Massage Therapy a growing  “employment trend”. 

Nationally accredited and certified by the US Department of Education (OPE ID #04141700), Healing Hands School of Holistic Health (HHSHH) is listed on the EDD’s Eligibility Training Providers’ List.  Founded by Paula and Neha Curtiss more than 22 years ago, Healing Hands top notch faculty has prepared more than 6,000 students for successful careers in Massage Therapy and Holistic Health.   With over 80 different Holistic Health courses and two Certification Programs to choose from, HHSHH has earned a reputation as path-blazer in Holistic Health and offers a viable career path for WIA customers.  WIA students who entrusted Healing Hands with their education are now enjoying rewarding careers as Massage Therapists, and they made their transition in less than a year!     To find out if HHSHH may be the right vocational school for you, call us at (949) 305-2722 in Laguna Hills, 760-746-9364 in Escondido, or visit us on-line at www.HealingHandsSchool.com.