Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development

Employment Numbers	State | Local

Secretary Unveils New JobCenterOfWisconsin.com

September 22, 2008

 

Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD) Secretary Roberta Gassman introduced job seekers to the state’s new Internet employment site during a visit to the Urban League, in Milwaukee, on September 18.

“We need a strong, growing Milwaukee economy for Wisconsin to thrive,” Secretary Gassman said. “While the national economy is having an impact on all states, good jobs are available in Wisconsin for people with the right skills or the ability to learn those skills. In these times, we need to do everything we can to help people connect with jobs, especially here in Milwaukee.” Read press Release

Following the event in Milwaukee, Secretary Gassman introduced job seekers to the state’s new Internet employment site during a visit to La Casa de Esperanza, in Waukesha, on September 18.

In a visit to the job training facility operated by La Casa de Esperanza, Secretary Gassman met with job seekers and provided a hands-on demonstration in how to find jobs in the Waukesha area, or anywhere in the state. She noted that the site includes Job Seeker Tools with a drop down menu and link to services in Spanish. Job seekers who speak Spanish or Hmong can also get help by dialing the toll free number for the Call Center, 888-258-9966, listed on the site. Read press Release

• Visit JobCenterOfWisconsin.com
• News Video: WKBT TV
• News Story: La Crosse Tribune
• News Story: Janesville Gazette

Secretary Unveils Photography Exhibit on Labor in DWD Headquarters

September 9, 2008

 

Department of Workforce Development (DWD) Secretary Roberta Gassman unveiled an art exhibit celebrating Wisconsin's diverse and talented workforce and welcomed the public to view the photographs by Wisconsin artists in an event in the state office building housing DWD on September 8.

The art exhibit was developed in collaboration with the Wisconsin Arts Board as part of Wisconsin's Percent for Art Program. Established in 1980, the program ensures that art has a place in public buildings and settings.

Pictured top photo, from left: Chris Manke, Percent for Art Coordinator; George Tzougros, Arts Board Executive Director; DWD Secretary Roberta Gassman. Pictured bottom photo, from left: Linda Brazy, DWD, Selection Committee and Jeri Krohn, Arts Board Secretary.

Read the DWD news release.

Governor Doyle’s Up North Tour

August 18, 2008

 

Secretary Gassman joined Governor Doyle and other Cabinet members for his 6th annual Up North tour the week of August 10th. The tour provided an opportunity for the Governor and Cabinet members to spend time in communities of northern Wisconsin, meet with residents and hear their concerns, needs and priorities for the state. Among the highlights was a visit to Ashland Industries, a global manufacturer of earthmoving equipment.

While in Ashland, Secretary Gassman visited Ashland Memorial Medical Center, where she met three individuals who changed course and began new careers as health care workers, thanks to services funded by DWD and provided by its regional partner, Northwest CEP, Inc. She also learned from MMC how 211 health care workers at the hospital benefited from a safe lifting grant. Health care workers at MMC and two other hospitals in the region received training in safe ways to move patients and avoid injuring themselves and their patients.

For more on the MMC event, read the DWD MMC news release.

At another stop in Ashland, Secretary Gassman met Tim Zwetow, a former consumer of vocational rehabilitation services, who now has his own business, Voyageur Unlimited, LLC. His company makes canoe paddles for the Boy Scouts of America, boundary waters outfitters and other customers. Voyageur Unlimited also makes souvenir paddles.

Secretary Gassman also visited two employers in Superior that benefited from Workforce Advancement Training Grants, awarded by DWD’s partner in workforce development, the Wisconsin Technical College System. At Charter Films, she learned how the company used its WAT grant to develop a training course that workers can take in a computer lab. As they complete each segment and advance, they receive an increase in pay.

At the CLM Corporation in Superior, Secretary Gassman visited the control room with Plant Manager Phil Marquis (right). Limestone from Midwest quarries is fired in the Culter-Magner Company kilns to produce lime used for a variety of purposes, such as treating water, making paper and manufacturing steel.

Governor Doyle Honors MSSC Program Graduates

July 30, 2008

 

Governor Doyle was joined by Secretary Gassman in awarding four employees of Federal Tool & Engineering, LLC, in Cedarburg, certificates for successfully completing training in the national Manufacturing Skill Standards Certification program. The rigorous program consists of four training modules. As MSSC Certified Production Technicians, the four employees are qualified for high skill jobs in advanced manufacturing.

As part of his Grow Wisconsin plan, Governor Doyle has set a goal of having 40 percent of Wisconsin’s production workers achieve MSSC standing by 2016. David Tomczek, President of Federal Tool & Engineering, said the firm’s investment in worker training made the difference in winning a contract worth $1.5 million in new business. The firm employs 47 workers and plans to hire at least five more as a result of the new contract.

During a visit to Federal Tool & Engineer, Governor Doyle also saluted the national MSSC on its 10 anniversary. He presented a commendation to Leo Reddy, Chief Executive Officer of MSSC.

• Read the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel article
• Read the news release from the Governor’s Office
• Read the MSSC commendation

Additional Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) Available

July 10, 2008

 

Governor Jim Doyle announced that individuals in Monroe County affected by severe storms and floods that began on June 5, 2008 will be eligible to apply for assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), including Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA).

In all, thirty counties have been declared eligible for DUA. Workers in those counties have 30 days to apply for assistance. Deadlines for affected counties are as follows:

• July 16 for Columbia, Crawford, Racine, Richland, Milwaukee, Sauk, and Vernon;
• July 19 for Dodge, Fond du Lac, Green, Iowa, Marquette, Washington, Waukesha, and Winnebago;
• July 20 for Grant, Kenosha, Rock and Sheboygan;
• July 23 for Dane, Juneau and Ozaukee;
• July 25 for Adams, Calumet, Green Lake, Jefferson, La Crosse and Walworth;
• July 30 for Manitowoc County; and,
• August 9 for Monroe County.

More in DWD News.

Grow Wisconsin -- The Next Steps

Governor Doyle unveiled Grow Wisconsin -- The Next Steps -- in January. This package of initiatives will take our economy to the next level. These initiatives will not only accelerate Wisconsin now, but provide investments that will sustain growth for generations to come.

The Governor's plan will prepare Wisconsin's traditional industries to compete in the global economy with efficiency and innovation. It will also provide Opportunity Grants to low-income working adults not eligible for technical college financial aid, expand partnerships in workforce development, and expand successful training programs like youth and adult apprenticeship to develop a highly-skilled workforce, among many other initiatives.

• Press release announcing Grow Wisconsin -- The Next Steps

• Governor Doyle's new economic development initiative

• Governor's State of the State Address

Jobs for the Future

"Jobs of the Future" is Governor Doyle's major job creation initiative that will build partnerships between businesses and schools so that Wisconsin youth and workers are trained for the high-tech job market.
 learn more about Jobs of the Future