|
IS THE WORKFORCE INVESTMENT ACT ADVANCING ECONOMIC GROWTH?
|
|
 The $3.9 billion dollar question: Do WIA Workforce Investment Act (WIA) programs promote economic growth? According to employers in Waukesha, Ozaukee, and Washington counties the answer is yes. Each Workforce Development Board in Wisconsin has a Business Service Unit that works closely with employers to hire, train, and retain their workforce. In this time of economic recovery, employer growth is critical. For employer growth to occur a skilled workforce, pool of qualified candidates and minimal initial hiring costs are vital. Employers articulate the value best, read on:
- "...the training assistance program [On the Job Training] helped offset the initial cost of hiring. It made the decision to hire in the poor economy that much easier." Genco Industries, Inc.
- "... we find the greatest number of qualified candidates attending the Workforce Development Center job fairs compared to any other." Ace Precision
- "We have been in a growing pattern over the last several months and hiring new employees, so this benefit [of the Workforce Development Board's defined and easy process, and assistance in training expenses] was appreciated as we are a smaller company." Zero Zone, Inc.
- "Our managers have been able to sharpen their mentoring skills [as a participant in the WIA Summer Youth program], which is key to their development as future leaders of our company." Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation.
- § "Each year the Medical College of Wisconsin participates in at least three career fairs, and finds these events to be worthwhile and a great opportunity to connect with job seekers from all industries." Medical College of WI
- "... a great resource to help make our community a productive place!" Goeman's Wood Products
|
|
FOX VALLEY WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT BOARD & DEPARTMENT OF WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT AID OSHKOSH CORPORATION DEFENSE DIVISION
Cheryl Welch, CEO, Fox Valley Workforce Development Board (FVWDB)
|
 Fox Valley Workforce Development Board, partnering with DWD, responded to the call to help Oshkosh Corporation Defense Division to recruit the best 750 workers to build military trucks and armored vehicles utilized by our military. The focus of the employment opportunity was for welders and assemblers. Through the One Stop Job Center system, job seekers were provided support to prepare for the Oshkosh Corporation Job Fair.
Fox Valley Workforce Development Board, Inc. with other partner agencies, used its Job Center resources to support individuals in the on-line application process and for preparation for the Job Fair itself. Basic computer classes and mock interviews were a snapshot of services provided. Also, Fox Valley Workforce Development Board is partnered with Fox Valley Technical College, Moraine Park Technical College and Lakeshore Technical College to provide basic welding courses for Oshkosh Corp future positions and other companies in the region.
Ed Couillard, a job seeker states, "My experience with Chris and Oshkosh Workforce Development Center has been outstanding. With the help I received in the application process, I feel confident I have bettered my chances for employment with Oshkosh Corporation"
FVWDB area Job Centers served 132,964 customers in PY09 and 55,325 customers through the second quarter in PY10. The partnership within the FVWDB One Stop system has been responsive to these job seeker customers as well as many business customers in the region, including the Oshkosh Corporation.
|
|
NEW WISCONSIN DOCUMENTARY: MANUFACTURING THE FUTURE
|
|
Manufacturing the Future is an hour-long documentary on the state of manufacturing in Wisconsin produced by Alex Zacarias and Dean Thomas of 3N Productions in Green Bay. Mr. Zacarias is a member of the Bay Area Workforce Development Board. The NEW Manufacturing Alliance provided seed money for this project. The documentary will debut at the Green Bay Film Festival on February 26, 2011 and is scheduled to be broadcast on Wisconsin Public Television this spring. The documentary looks at the changing manufacturing industry sector of the 21st century. For more information about this documentary visit the website: http://www.manufacturingthefuture.com/.
|
2011 WWDA Annual Report Now Available!
|
|
| Why Workforce Investment? |
A new national website www.workforceinvestmentworks.com allows you to search your state for the the success stories related to the the Workforce Investment Act. There is also a brief video that highlights what the Workforce Boards do across the nation.
|
