FOUNDATIONS COURSE · STEP 1 OF 7 · FOUNDATIONAL · ALL ROLES · ABOUT 8 MIN
Educational resource · source checked September 18, 2026. The federal → state → local → service-delivery map is supported as an orientation model. It simplifies a system in which programs retain separate statutory authorities, funding, and operating rules. Primary source basis: U.S. DOL WIOA · WIOA Workforce Programs · EDD Active Directives. This AI-assisted page does not receive human legal or compliance review. Official sources control when requirements, rights, funding, or authority are at issue. How we handle trust →
Workforce Foundations · Foundations Course
How the California Workforce System Works
The workforce system is not one agency. It is a network. Federal rules set much of the framework, California turns that framework into state policy, and local boards and partners turn it into services for people and businesses.
The workforce system is not one agency. It is a network. Federal rules set much of the framework, California turns that framework into state policy, and local boards and partners turn it into services for people and businesses.
Most workforce mistakes start by solving the right problem at the wrong level of the system. Knowing the map helps you route questions before they become policy, service, or accountability errors.
Do not confuse the organization serving the customer with the level of government or governing body that owns the rule.
By the end of this lesson
You should be able to place a workforce question on the system map.
Explain the federal, state, local, and service-delivery layers; identify which level likely owns a question; and know where to look before acting.
The workforce system is a network, not one agency.
Map a question to the federal, California, local, or delivery level.
Determine who likely has authority and who must implement the answer.
Check the controlling federal, state, and local source before relying on memory or practice.
On this page
Workforce Foundations · System map
How the California Workforce System Works
The workforce system is not one agency. It is a network. Federal rules set much of the framework, California turns that framework into state policy, and local boards and partners turn it into services for people and businesses.
30-second takeaway
- Federal sets much of the legal and funding framework.
- California turns that framework into statewide policy, funding, and oversight.
- Local WDBs, AJCCs, providers, and partners turn policy into a local service system for people and employers.
The system map
Follow the flow from policy to service
1 · Federal
Sets the national framework
Congress · U.S. Department of Labor · U.S. Department of Education
Law, funding, regulations, national guidance, and federal program requirements.
↓
2 · California
Turns federal rules into statewide policy
Governor · California Workforce Development Board · EDD · state partners
State planning, guidance, allocations, monitoring, statewide strategy, and coordination.
↓
3 · Local system
Sets local strategy and runs the network
Local WDB · CLEO · AJCC operator · service providers
Local planning, governance, contracting, performance oversight, partner coordination, and service design.
↓
4 · People + employers
Experience the system through services
Job seekers · workers · youth · businesses
Career services, training, job matching, work-based learning, employer services, referrals, and support.
Partners connect across the whole system
Community colleges · adult schools · vocational rehabilitation · human services · community organizations · labor · economic development · apprenticeship programs · employers
These partners do not sit at only one level. They connect people, programs, funding, and employers across the system.
Why this matters
When a policy changes, the organization that issued it may be different from the organization that must implement it. Knowing the level of the system helps you find the right person, rule, and responsibility.
Show me an example
A laid-off worker wants short-term welding training.
Federal law and funding create the basic program framework. California issues statewide policy and allocates funds. The local WDB sets local strategy and policy. An AJCC or service provider helps determine eligibility and services. A college or training provider may deliver the training. An employer may validate demand or provide work-based learning. Several organizations can touch one outcome without doing the same job.
Easy to confuse
EDD can issue statewide guidance while local WDBs still make local decisions where discretion exists.
The WDB can oversee services that another organization actually delivers.
An organization can be part of the workforce system without holding a WIOA contract.
Check your understanding
1. Who usually sets local workforce strategy?
The local Workforce Development Board, working within federal and state requirements and local governance arrangements.
2. Does EDD directly provide every WIOA service in a local area?
No. EDD has important statewide and Wagner-Peyser roles, but local operators, providers, and partners deliver many services.
3. Can a community college be part of the workforce system without being the local WDB?
Yes. Colleges are major workforce partners and training providers, but they are not the local workforce board.
What to read next
If you want to understand the programs: WIOA in Plain Language
If you want to understand responsibilities: Who Does What?
Lesson exit check · Step 1
Can you place the problem on the system map?
EDD issues a new directive that changes a statewide requirement. Your local procedure still reflects the old rule. What is the strongest first move?
Policy connections
See the system map in real policy
| Policy connection | Brief | What it shows |
|---|---|---|
| AJCC network | TEGL 16-16, Change 1 | How federal one-stop requirements shape integrated American Job Centers. |
| California certification | WSD25-05 | How California translates the framework into AJCC certification requirements. |
| State staffing | TEN 02-26 | Shows how a federal staffing rule can change what happens inside the local system. |
Explore: AJCC policy → · WIOA policy → · latest Workforce Intelligence Review →
Where to go next
Who Has the Authority? →
Local authority map →
Policy Library →