Trade Adjustment Assistance Act Reauthorization Act of 2015 (TAARA 2015)

On June 29, 2015, President Obama signed into law the Trade Adjustment Assistance Reauthorization Act of 2015 (TAARA 2015), which continues the Trade Adjustment Assistance Program (Trade Program) for six years, and changes the group eligibility requirements and individual benefits and services available under the Trade Program since January 1, 2014.

About the Trade Program

Lost your job due to no fault of your own? Has the impact of international trade caused or is about to cause layoffs at your company? Have your hours been reduced due to international trade? To learn more about the benefits and services under the Trade Program, go to www.doleta.gov/tradeact

How do I get started?

  1. Visit www.doleta.gov/tradeact/determinations.cfm to see if the company you worked for has an active Trade petition.
  2. Contact the local workforce office, McHenry County Workforce Network (MCWN) at (815) 334-2771. They are the local administrator of the TAARA 2015 (above) and the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) and serve eligible workers who need assistance with employment and training options. Eligibility refers to federal grant regulations regarding economic status, barriers to employment and dislocation information. (If you are a dislocated worker and do not qualify for benefits and services under the Trade Program, go to www.mchenrycountyworkforce.com for information on how to apply for training under WIOA.)
  3. Attend a Trade Program orientation meeting to complete the application process. You will be assigned to a career planner after a preliminary assessment.
  4. Follow all directions provided at the Trade orientation meeting and work with your MCWN career planner, as specific criteria and deadlines apply. Your career planner will work with you to select the most appropriate benefits or training program for you.
  5. If training is recommended, you'll receive a new customer worksheet from your career planner to bring to the Trade Program Liaison at MCC. Contact wioatraining@mchenry.edu to schedule an appointment when you've received your worksheet.
  6. We will assist you with the MCC application process (if necessary), and provide information about placement tests, transcript requirements, orientations, and financial aid. We'll direct you to make an appointment with an MCC academic advisor who will complete an Education Action plan (academic plan).
  7. Do not register for classes prior to receiving official Trade Program approval for your training program. Schedule an appointment with your MCWN career planner. If the training program is approved, you'll receive a voucher to register for classes to take to MCC's Registration Office. The voucher authorizes payment for your classes

Review approved training programs at MCC »

Visit the U.S. Department of Labor Employment and Training Administration »