April 2011

Vol 1, Issue 29

Workforce Development in Wisconsin WWDA Logo

Greetings!

 

The Wisconsin Workforce Development Association  (WWDA)

is an association of the leadership of the eleven workforce development regions of Wisconsin. This 33 member body consists of the 11 Private Sector Business Workforce Board Chairs, the 11 Chief Elected Officials representing local government and the 11 Executive Officers of the Regional Workforce Development Organizations. Together they represent: over 170 local businesses across the state who are the majority of members and as well as the business leadership that guides our member Workforce Development Boards.

    

WWDA is always  available as a resource for any legislator with questions on the workforce investment system in Wisconsin.  Please do not hesitate to contact us! 

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In This Issue
MADISON AREA ART BUSINESS CONTINUES EXPANSION WITH SUPPORT FROM TRANSITIONAL JOBS PROGRAM
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT IN ECONOMIC RECOVERY: TRAINING NEWLY HIRED WORKER
DOC SECRETARY PAUL JADIN AND DWD SECRETARY MANUEL PEREZ TO SPEAK AT NW WISCONSIN BUSINESS CONFERENCE
GREEN BAY PRESS-GAZETTE HOSTS PANEL DISCUSSION ON JOBS, CAREERS, AND LOCAL EMPLOYMENT MARKET
WHY WORKFORCE INVESTMENT?
Quick Links

MADISON AREA ART BUSINESS CONTINUES EXPANSION WITH SUPPORT FROM TRANSITIONAL JOBS PROGRAM

 

Workforce Development Board of South Central Wisconsin

Local artist and muralist Sharon Kilfoy operates the Williamson Street Art Center-where she offers art instruction courses, artist-in-residency programs, and community arts projects. She began efforts to expand her Madison-based business with a recent remodel and renovation of Williamson 1her business' interior. As part of her expansion plan, Sharon recognized a need to hire additional staff support to organize the new space and help her prepare for several upcoming artist-in-residency and mural projects. 

 

She had recently heard about the Transitional Jobs Program-a short-term employment program administered by the Workforce Development Board of South Central Wisconsin. After learning about the program, she quickly signed on as a Transitional Jobs worksite in February 2011 and a participant was placed at her business shortly thereafter. Currently, Sharon has her new staff helping with mural preparation-including basic wall taping, placing drop cloths, organizing art supplies, and other painting preparation duties.

 

Sharon adds that the participant is not only learning technical skills, but job readiness skills, as well. "She's learning the importance of good communication skills and taking initiative-and it shows in her eagerness to learn new skills."

 

Williamson 2As an employer and community leader, Sharon recognizes the mutual benefits of this program. "I'm getting the help I need to build and organize my business and she [the Transitional Jobs participant] is building on the skills she needs to help prepare for future employment and to contribute to her community. It's been a positive learning experience for both of us and I would definitely recommend this program to other employers."

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT IN ECONOMIC RECOVERY: TRAINING NEWLY HIRED WORKERS 

 

Angela Cummings, W-O-W Workforce Development, Inc.   

 

 As the economy begins recovery, employers continue to experience a skill gap between employer needs and workforce skills.  The skill gap has caused employers to 'grow their own' workforce by hiring candidates that lack technical skills, then train these new-hires so they are able to efficiently and effectively contribute to the organization.  The need for intensive employer training has strained resources that would otherwise allow employers to expand operations.

In response, the Waukesha-Ozaukee-Washington (WOW) Workforce Development Board secured $250,507 in state funding to begin a "new" and incumbent worker training program to improve the skills of 200 newly-hired workers at power controls manufacturing companies in Southeast Wisconsin.  The program includes two components: (1) training of 160 workers at power controls manufacturers in WOW Counties, and (2) pilot of a work-ready applicant training program to equip 40 low-income unemployed job seekers in Milwaukee County with the skills they need to secure jobs in power controls.

Employer partners, including DRS Technologies Corporation, Waukesha Electric, Helios USA LLC, ZBB Energy Corporation, and Ingeteam have identified common training needs for this project.  Training will include fundamentals of electric power, work practices, basic blueprint reading, basic math skill review, math for manufacturing, and teamwork.  Upon successful completion of training, workers will have the skills necessary to efficiently and effectively contribute to the growth of their respective organization.

Northwest Side Community Development Corporation is the industry convener.  Training will be provided by Waukesha County Technical College, and Milwaukee Area Technical College.

DOC SECRETARY PAUL JADIN AND DWD SECRETARY MANUEL PEREZ TO SPEAK AT NORTHWEST WISCONSIN BUSINESS CONFERENCE

 

Northwest Wisconsin Workforce Investment Board, Inc.  

 

2011 Conference Final Graphic

The 2011 Northwest Wisconsin Business Development Conference presents regional leaders, administrators, managers, and employees from small businesses with the chance to explore a wide variety of topics and issues in the workforce today.   

 

The conference, hosted by the Northwest Wisconsin Workforce Investment Board, Inc., at Ashland, Wisconsin's AmericInn Hotel and Conference Center opens Wednesday, May 11th, at 12:30PM and concludes Thursday, May 12th, at 3:00PM.  

 

There will be a variety of workshops, including Legal Issues Surrounding Social Media, Four Pillars of Customer Service, Healthcare Reform Updates, Business Acceleration, A Time to Grow Your Business, and more. A highlight of this year's conference will be the general sessions with Manny Perez, Department of Workforce Development Secretary, and Paul Jadin, Department of Commerce Secretary.

 

An off-site reception will be held at the South Shore Brewery & Alley Ristorante on Wednesday evening and new this year is a beginner's morning yoga class, with Charmaine Swan, Director of Ashland Yoga Studio. Conference attendees will also have opportunities to visit exhibitors' booths and network with presenters and other conference guests. Registration to attend the two-day conference is $65 and the agenda and online registration is available at http://tinyurl.com/nwwib2011.

 

GREEN BAY PRESS-GAZETTE HOSTS PANEL DISCUSSION ON JOBS, CAREERS, AND LOCAL EMPLOYMENT MARKET

 

 Bay Area Workforce Development Board    

 

The Green Bay Press-Gazette invited local business and education representatives to discpaneluss jobs, careers, and the local employment market. Members of the panel discussion included: Paul Rauscher, president of EMT International in Hobart, Geoffrey Rulland, human capital leader with Humana Inc., De Pere, Jean Marsch, director of human resources at St. Vincent Hospital, Green Bay, and Green Bay School Board president, Jim Golembeski, executive director of Bay Area Workforce Development Board, Green Bay, and Sandy Ryczkowski, vice president of human resources at Northeastern Wisconsin Technical College, Green Bay. For a transcript of the panel discussion click here. To watch audio clips of the discussion go to www.greenbaypressgazette.com.

 

Program Year 2010 WWDA Annual Report Now Available!

Report Cover
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.
Mari Kay
Wisconsin Workforce Development Association
 
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