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North Central Wisconsin Workforce Development Board
WDA 6 - Workforce News Bulletin
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Rick Lunde worked for a local paper mill and was let go after many years of service to the company. He had worked all of his adult life and was anxious to find another job or receive some kind of skill training. Then he heard about the WIA funded employment and training programs available at the Northern Advantage Job Center. Rick entered the Job Center, unaware that he was about to embark on a journey toward reaching his dream goal. Read Rick's story HERE.
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Welcome to the North Central WI Workforce Development Board's August - 2012 issue of Workforce News Bulletin.
In This Issue:
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  NCWWDB Highlights Upcoming Workforce Development Month Events - North Central Wisconsin Workforce Development Board (NCWWDB) announces that September is Workforce Development Month in Wisconsin. Workforce partners across the state will present opportunities for jobseekers and employers to learn more about their workforce resources. As part of the many exciting events scheduled during September, NCWWDB will be hosting its WIA Participant Excellence Awards ceremony on September 27. This event will take place during its quarterly Board meeting at NTC in Wausau. Award recipient nominations are currently being solicited throughout WDA 6. NCWWDB's annual awards event is entering its eighth year. Other Workforce Development Month events scheduled include a ribbon cutting and open house event at NCWWDB's new office location in Stevens Point on September 25, a Central WI fall Job Fair at MSTC in Wisconsin Rapids on September 26, and an Employer Open House at the Wisconsin Rapids Job Fair on September 7. Get more information on these and other WDA 6 events, along with postings of other statewide Workforce Development Month events HERE. |
NCWWDB Highlights Special Workforce Retraining Program Graduations - NCWWDB's specialized workforce retraining programs recently celebrated graduations from its Production Welding, Machine Tool/CNC, and Food Manufacturing Science Certificate training programs.
After analyzing hundreds of survey results from central and north central Wisconsin employers, NCWWDB quickly realized that workforce development efforts need to focus on the development and funding of training projects customized to meet the specific needs of area employers. And, that workers need to be trained or retrained for positions that actually exist in our communities and be taught the skills that employers claim today's workforce is lacking.
NCWWDB began working collaboratively with the input from area employers, technical colleges and other stakeholders. Through this work, specialized training programs were developed and implemented. Now, many months later, NCWWDB is excited to announce its three second classes and one third class has graduated from these specialized training programs. Read more and view graduation photos HERE.
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 Workforce paradox has many factors - Volumes have been written about the workforce paradox. This is also called the skills gap, defined as the numbers of skilled open positions compared to the large number of people looking for work but not qualified for the positions.
The workforce paradox is also being attributed for the slow economic growth. As this discussion continues to gain momentum, a number of differing viewpoints have come about. While one cannot argue that there are hundreds of jobs in NCWWDB's area that are unfilled and there are thousands of people looking for work, the reason for the gap may be more complex.
A recent national survey from the Manufacturing Institute found the top skill deficiency among manufacturing workers was "inadequate problem-solving skills". The number three deficiency was "inadequate employability skills". A 2012 survey by Manpower resulted in 26% of the respondents listing soft skills as a deficiency. Both of these topics come up in discussions with employers in our Workforce Development Area as well. And, both of the subjects have now become part of the curricula in NCWWDB's training opportunities currently being offered. Read entire article HERE. Back to top
For more information about NCWWDB's Employer Services, call Bruce Trimble at 715-204-1647 or email at: btrimble@ncwwdb.org.
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 Did you Know - At work, it's what people CAN do that matters? When it comes to doing business, an environment that is inclusive of people with disabilities can offer companies a competitive edge. People with disabilities are experienced problem solvers who contribute to the development of creative business solutions and add value to a business. Additionally, they represent different ages, genders, ethnic backgrounds and enhance the diversity of the workforce. What's more, people with disabilities mirror an important and expanding customer base. Everyone has a role to play in, and benefits to gain from, improving employment opportunities for people with disabilities.
"What can YOU do?" is a positive outreach initiative aimed at increasing the employment rate of people with disabilities by challenging common misperceptions. It sends a clear message: people with disabilities want to work and their talents and abilities benefit businesses both financially and organizationally. To learn more about the What Can You Do? initiative go HERE. Back to top
For more information about NCWWDB's Disability Employment Initiative (DEI) program contact Disability Resource Coordinator, Patty Branton at
715-347-3537 or email at: pbranton@ncwwdb.org. NCWWDB's DEI program is helping people with disabilities solve the employment puzzle.
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Career Spotlight - Machinists Profile
By Ali Konkel, NCWWDB Research & Planning Specialist
Want to learn more about up-and-coming careers in North Central Wisconsin? Look no further. Each month we will be spotlighting in-demand careers in the Manufacturing, Health Care, and Transportation fields. This month we profile Machinists. Find out what the average machinist gets paid, and what local training programs can help you prepare for a career as a machinist. Get profile HERE.
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WDA 6
Statistics Report
July 2012
July 2012 Wisconsin unemployment rates:
7.3% (seasonally adjusted)
The rate remains below the
national unemployment rate of 8.3 percent.
July 2012
July 2012 unemployment rate for NCWWDB's area is 8.1%
Between June and July only Lincoln and Wood County's unemployment rates went up.
Four counties in our area have unemployment rates over 9%. Langlade (9.1%) Adams (9.5%) Forest (9.8%) and Lincoln (10.4%) Portage County's rate is the lowest in the area at 7.4%.
WorkNet & DWD
Menominee County's unemployment rate is the
highest in the state at 20.2% while Dane County's rate of 5.3% makes it the lowest.
There were 3 *WARN notices given in WDA 6 during the period of
January 1, 2012 thru
August 17, 2012.
*WARN is a required communication for those employers with 50 or more employees. Employers with fewer than 50 employees may have laid people off during this time. |
WIA
Training Report
Program Year 2012
From July 1, 2012 to August 10, 2012, NCWWDB served 167 Youth, 159 Adults, and 1,027 Dislocated Workers in WIA Title 1 funded programs.
Special Training Projects:
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WDA 6 Job Center
Workshops Calendar
Check out what's being offered FREE in your local Wisconsin Job Center!
Click here to view calendar
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Job Fairs
For more information contact:
Gary Albrecht, 715-261-8726
Thursday, October 18, 2012
9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
VFW Post 388
388 River Drive, Wausau
Conference
2012 Wisconsin Lean Government Conference
At this conference, you'll learn about tools and principles to improve quality, cost effectiveness, service delivery and responsiveness to the public.
September 19th, 2012
Holiday Inn Conference Center in Stevens Point
Registration - 8 a.m.
Conference 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Early bird rates available if registered by August 15th
Register here!
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| Job Center
WDA 6
Job Center usage report reflects measured statistics comprised of the total number of clients utilizing the resources and core services available at the Adams; Marshfield; Rhinelander; Wausau; & Wis. Rapids
Job Centers each month.
July 2012:
- Total Clients - 3,848
- New Clients - 349
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Agency Visit - 1,128
(e.g. W2, WIA, etc.)
- Military Vet/Eligible Spouse - 258
- Job Search JCW - 1,326
- Resume/cover letter - 39
- Job Search other - 327
- Career Exploration - 114
* Depending on the number of services utilized per visit, clients may be included in
more than one measure.
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Recruitment & Retention Tools for Employers
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Job Center of Wisconsin
Convenient. Fast. Free.
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