June 2009 Vol 1, Issue 15
Workforce Development in Wisconsin WWDA Logo
Greetings!
Unemployment rates are improving in some regions of the state while other areas have leveled off or are experiencing an increase.  April's unemployment statistics are included in this month's newsletter. Also included this month is an article on what is being done to get the word out to workers who need help in Janesville.
 
Data and stories relating to the workforce development activities funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) can be found in the inaugural edition of the Workforce Times, a new WWDA publication specific to the ARRA workforce projects and programs. 
 
The Wisconsin Workforce Development Association recognizes the importance of communication on statewide workforce issues and we encourage you to contact us with any questions you have. 
 
If you wish to be added to future mailings or removed from mailings please use the links at the bottom of the newsletter.  Thank you!
In This Issue
Wisconsin Unemployment...Numbers Up In Some Areas, Down In Others
TV Program to Feature Information for Workers in Janesville
Waukesha-Ozaukee-Washington Workforce Development Board Celebrates Their Successes
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Wisconsin Unemployment Numbers Up In Some Areas, Down In Others...
 
In April Wisconsin's unemployment numbers continued to vary greatly from county to county with some signs of improvement in some regions. Unemployment rates decreased in each of the state's 12 Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSA) in April compared to March. The Janesville MSA recorded the highest rate at 12.9 percent and the Milwaukee-Waukesha-West Allis MSA recorded 8.9 percent.  The state average unemployment rate was 8.8 percent- just slightly higher than the national average. 

Dane County again recorded the lowest rate at 5.6 percent, followed by Eau Claire county at 6.5 percent and La Crosse at 6.6 percent. The highest rates were recorded in Rusk County at 14.6 percent, Iron County at 14 percent, and Menomonee County at 13.1 percent. 
Below are the unadjusted labor force estimates for April 2009.
 
                                    Current          Month Ago          Year Ago
Total labor force           3,085,200      3,086,500            3,062,200
Employed                      2,813,300      2,796,000            2,933,600
Unemployed                     271,900      290,500               128,600
Wis. Unemployment Rate    8.8%         9.4%                    4.2%
U.S. Unemployment Rate     8.6%         9.0%                    4.8%
TV Program to Feature Information for Workers in Janesville
 
SWlogo The Southwest Wisconsin Workforce Development Board (SWWDB) has developed a new and unique cooperative program with the local Janesville Cable Access TV network to participate in a program that features information on the SWWDB's services plus individuals who have profited from those services.
 
The program, developed by local entrepreneur and City Council member Yuri Rashkin, is titled Discover Janesville. As a co-sponsor, the SWWDB has a minimum 10-minute segment in each program, generally aired once a month with frequent repeats, to feature what it feels best describes its services and clients, but done through human-interest types of features. Most of what has been featured in the first six months of the programming has been individuals who have participated and can attest to the value of the SWWDB services. The first half-year has been so successful, the SWWDB recently extended its contract for an additional six months, expanding the time it has to feature its services. It plans to have more remote location shooting with segments featuring programs such as Summer Youth Employment and the new Job Center Annex located at the UAW Union Hall.
  
Rashkin has been extremely pleased with the cooperative venture and looks forward to new ways to show how the SWWDB has been successful in meeting the needs of local job seekers. SWWDB Executive Director Robert Borremans is also pleased with the program and looks forward to the increased time allowed plus expansion of the subjects covered, which will most likely include the Summer Youth Employment program (to include interviews with participants), which is utilizing ARRA funds, the new Job Center Annex, and other similar programs.
Waukesha-Ozaukee-Washington Workforce Development Board Celebrates Their Successes!
The Workforce Investment Act (WIA) is a complex piece of legislation and not everyone knows the impact of the work that the workforce development boards have across the state. We are happy to highlight just a few stories from Waukesha, Ozaukee, and Washington counties. 
 
Paul, a mature worker, was laid off from Tower Automotive.  He returned to school through the Workforce Investment Act & Trade Adjustment Assistnace program.  In August, 2008 Paul received his Associate Degree as a Water Quality Technician.  By November, 2008 Paul was employed with the North Shore Water Commission as a Treatment Operator at earnings that exceeded his former hourly wage by $3.00/hour.  Paul is very happy to be employed in his new career.
 
Jessica, a youth from Hartford Union High School, was enrolled in the Younger Youth Program last spring. Jessica did an excellent job in obtaining her high school diploma and completing a work experience.  Last summer Jessica was placed with Jackson Crossings (a residential facility).  There, she worked as a recreational assistant with the elderly.  Completion of those tasks has helped Jessica to decide on a nursing assistant career.  Jessica is currently working part-time and finishing her training as a nursing assistant through Moraine Park Technical College.  Once Jessica has earned her C.N.A. certificate, WOW Workforce Development Board will develop an internship program for her.
 
Brandon worked as a laser operator for Universal Strap.  He was laid off and went through the WIA Dislocated Worker Program.  Brandon went to the Waukesha County Technical College and completed a program called "Machine Tool Operation" in 2008 for machinists.  He is now working at the Place Machining Company traveling all over the country servicing machines used to build bridges.
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Mari Kay-Nabozny
Wisconsin Workforce Development Association