Workforce Development in Wisconsin WWDA Logo

May 2012
Vol 1, Issue 39

Greetings!

 

This spring has been very busy for the Wisconsin Workforce Development Association and the many partners that we work with in advancing workforce and training solutions in Wisconsin. As you can see from the Upcoming Events section there are numerous workforce and economic development events scheduled throughout the upcoming months. Statewide activities and partnerships continues to be the focus of the Wisconsin Workforce Development Association and are the highlight of these monthly newsletters. 

 

 WWDA hopes that you find these articles and information helpful.You can view articles below or use the sidebar on the right to navigate to specific titles.  We welcome questions and encourage you to contact us at wwdainfo@gmail.com.

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Contact Your Local Workforce Board
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Wisconsin's Workforce Development Areas
 Click here for contact information and a larger version of the map.

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Statewide Sector Grant Funding Announced

On April 4th, the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development announced $275,000 available for Sector Convening Grants (SCG). These funds are intended to support local customization of a program using either of the following components or a combination of the two.

  

1) Further the development of an existing Sector (e.g., expand stakeholder groups, build on Career Ladders or advanced opportunities, etc.) Sector Grants to Workforce Development Boards. In February Job Service conducted a statewide survey with employers in an attempt to gain insight for proposed enhancements to Jobcenterofwisconsin.com(JCW). The survey focused on several enhancements to JCW including employer interest in skills matching tools that will ultimately lead to better connections between employers and job seekers.

 

2) Initiate convening activities to explore a new area Sector (e.g., explore Sector potential, perform gap analysis, form stakeholder groups, etc.) ThNew Career Signis sector-based strategy is a central element of Wisconsin Working. The SCG will continue to build partnerships through the Workforce Development Boards and Wisconsin Technical College(s) or other educational institutions; labor organizations, business or industry associations to develop and improve existing Sectors or explore the establishment of new Sectors within the WDA. The SCG will be distributed through an RFP process to the eleven WDBs with a maximum award for any one grant up to $25,000.00 and one grant per WDA. The funding period will be from May 1, 2012 - June 30, 2013.

SAGE: "Greening" the Trades    

Waukesha-Ozaukee-Washington Workforce Development Board is partnering with the Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards, Wisconsin Regional Training Partnership/Big Step, Milwaukee Area Workforce Investment Board, and Southeast Wisconsin Workforce Development Board to provide training and support funds to assist eligible construction, manufacturing, and utility apprentices and journeymen. The Wisconsin Sector Alliance for the Green Economy (SAGE), a project funded by the US Department of Labor, is "greening" select trades throughout Wisconsin. With SAGE's support, apprentices and journeymen will have the opportunity to gain new skills in this high demand field.

 

Trades are "greened" through SAGE by updating curriculum with the latest green technologies and incorporating equipment that focuses on saving energy and other resources. Nearly twenty skilled trades will incorporate new curriculum on the latest skills in energy efficiency, renewable energy, and smart grid utility technologies. Construction Electrician, Steamfitter, Roofer, and Waterproofer trades have already been "greened" through this project. Plumber and Sheet Metal Worker are slated to be the next "greened" trades. Waukesha-Ozaukee-Washington Workforce Development Board, the Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards, Wisconsin Regional Training Partnership/Big Step, Milwaukee Area Workforce Investment Board, and Southeast Wisconsin Workforce Development Board are working with local joint apprenticeship committees to upgrade the curriculum and equipment and to connect with eligible apprentices and journeymen. Participants may be eligible for up to $1,800 for training related expenses and up to $500 for support services. The SAGE project runs through December 31, 2012. Please visit www.sage.wisconsin.govfor more information.

 


June is American Job Fair Month
American Job Fair Month
The U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (ETA) is announcing June as American Job Fair Month to create an opportunity for the workforce system and the One-Stop Career Centers and all partners in the American Job Center Network, to promote their services to business customers.  See the above side bar or jobcenterofwisconsin.com for locations and dates of upcoming job fairs in your area!

 

National Association of Workforce Boards and the Great Lakes Employment & Training Association Announce "A Summit in the Heartland" Event
NAWB is pleased to team with GLETA to invite you to join us in Chicago on June 14th & 15th for a Dialogue in the Heartland.

Why Attend? 
Today's economy presents the workforce and economic development world with challenges it
has not faced in decades. This event will present a wide array of strategies to assist with meeting and overcoming today's challenges. It will provide a forum for partnering and networking with leaders from all facets of workforce and economic development.

Registration Fee - $175.00
Registration includes 2 days of informative and exciting meetings, breakfast and working lunch each day.

 
In This Issue
Statewide Sector Grant Funding Announced
SAGE: "Greening" the Trades
June is American Job Fair Month
Summit in the Heartland Event Planned
WHY WORKFORCE INVESTMENT
Quick Links & Resources
UPCOMING WORKFORCE & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT EVENTSevents
Calendar

JOB FAIRS  

       

Southwest Wisconsin Job Fair, May 8
Fennimore,
10:00-2:00 pm
Southwest Wisconsin Technical College
1800 Bronson Blvd.
Nancy Flanagan,            608-342-4220       

 

NWWIB Business Conference, May 9 & 10 

Ashland, WI

715-682-9141 x122

Conference Information website 

 

Milwaukee Manufacturing Career Expo, May 10 

State Fair Park Expo Center
This highly-publicized event seeks to connect thousands of qualified job candidates with hiring firms in the manufacturing sector.
 List of participating employers    

 

 

 Spring Job Fair, May 16
Pewaukee, 10:00-1:00 pm
Waukesha County Technical College
800 Main St.
Janet King,            262-695-7811      

 

Veteran Career and Veteran Fair, May 16
Superior, 9:00-12:00 pm
Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College
600 N. 21st St.
Terry Erickson,            715-780-0473      

 

Community and Veterans Job Fair, May 22
12:30-3:30 pm
Kenosha County Center
19600 75th St., Bristol
Rebecca Freund,            262-697-4610    

    

Dane County Job Fair, May 23
Madison, 10:00-3:00 pm
Dane County Job Center
1819 Aberg Ave.
Therus Collins,            608-242-4884      

 

Veteran Career and Benefit Fair, June 6
De Pere, 11:00-2:00 pm
St. Norbert University
100 Grand St.
Michael Mack,            920-448-6776      

 

Veteran Career and Benefit Fair, June 8
Edgewood College Auditorium
1000 Edgewood College Dr.
Michael Beck            608-242-4910      

 

Veteran Career and Benefit Fair, June 12
Appleton,
9:00-2:00 pm
Fox Valley Technical College Rm. A170-A175
1825 N. Bluemound Rd. (Entrance 16)
Kelly Aschebrook,            920-968-6081       

 

Summit in the Heartland Event, June 14-15

Chicago, IL

More Information 

 

UPCOMING WEDA PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT COURSES

 

Financial Analysis for Economic Development Deals & Projects
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
12:30 pm - 6:00 pm
Kalahari Resort, Wisconsin Dells

What skills will you take away from this course? Attend the Financial Analysis for ED Deals and Projects course and learn how to analyze a deal for financial success.   

More Information and Registration

Writing a Winning Response to an RFP
June 14, 2012 12:30 - 5:30 pm
DoubleTree Hotel 
525 West Johnson Street
Madison, WI 53703

Course Objective: How to prepare more effective and compelling proposals that help advance your community through the site search process instead of being eliminated because of a poor proposal submission.

More Information and Registration

Sales Skills for Economic Development Professionals
June 15, 2012 8:00 am - 12:30 pm 
DoubleTree Hotel 
525 West Johnson Street
Madison, WI 53703

Course Objective: How to hone your sales skills relevant for site selection and expansion decisions, in order to keep your community in the site search process longer instead of being eliminated early.  

More Information and Registration

 

 

WHY WORKFORCE INVESTMENT?

A new national website www.workforceinvestmentworks.com allows you to search your state for 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.
ABOUT US

The Wisconsin Workforce Development Association  (WWDA) is an association of the leadership of the 11 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 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!
Mari Kay
Wisconsin Workforce Development Association

 

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