Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development

DWD Secretary Amy Pechacek was excited to join Google’s Policy and Responsibility marketing team in Madison this morning for a Fireside Chat to share how #Wisconsin is harnessing AI technologies to complement and strengthen our state’s #workforce. Countless employers and educational institutions across Wisconsin are already implementing AI applications to support everyday operations. With the help of partners like Google, DWD is evolving alongside the workforce as AI reshapes the nature of work and education in Wisconsin. Secretary Pechacek shared the importance of putting people first and ensuring that workers and job seekers have the skills, training, and support they need to be successful in a rapidly changing technological landscape. Tremendous thanks to Google for hosting Secretary Pechacek this morning, and for your partnership over the last five years as we’ve incorporated AI to efficiently and effectively support workers, employers, and job seekers across Wisconsin.

Happy #DisabilityIndependenceDay! On this day 35 years ago, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law. At DWD, we honor the legacy of the ADA by connecting Wisconsinites with disabilities to employment opportunities and by enforcing laws protecting #Wisconsin workers from disability discrimination in the workplace. Today, a record number of Wisconsinites with disabilities are growing their careers in our state! The contributions of the more than 189,000 people with disabilities in our workforce make our state stronger. Visit dwd.wi.gov today to learn more. #ThanksToTheADA #ADA35 #ADAAnniversary #disabilitypride

Taking a BITE out of workforce shortages: DWD launched Wisconsin's first Dental Assistant Registered Apprenticeship🦷program! The first two apprentices, Mattie and Amanda, made it official today at a signing ceremony with their sponsoring employer, Martin Dental in City of Altoona, Wisconsin. During the 15-month program, they'll each log 2,600 hours of paid instruction at Chippewa Valley Technical College-Eau Claire campus and on-the-job training at the clinic. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services is a key partner in this program, supporting participation through a grant from its Wisconsin Oral Health Workforce Pathway Program. Learn more about the growing number of Healthcare Registered Apprenticeship programs available in Wisconsin to help meet the need for skilled workers. http://xmrrwallet.com/cmx.pbit.ly/3UtthVk

Today is national #HireAVeteranDay! For the second year in a row, the Department of Workforce Development's (DWD) Office of Veteran Employment Services has been ranked fourth in the nation for successfully connecting veterans with employment. With support from Wisconsin's Local Veterans Employment Representatives and Disabled Veteran Outreach Program Specialists as well as programs including the Vets Ready Employer Initiative and the Hire Heroes Transitional Jobs Program for Veterans, DWD connects former service members and employers across the state. DWD Secretary Amy Pechacek: “Our veterans bring invaluable experience and skills to the workforce—assets that our state’s employers are looking for to fill high-skill job openings across industries." Learn more about DWD's support services and discover employment opportunities for veterans at dwd.wisconsin.gov/veterans.

Six #ProjectSEARCH graduates were all smiles this morning at the end of their rotations at Froedtert Hospital. DWD staff joined dozens in the crowd for the graduation, along with Project SEARCH mentors, hospital executives, and State Representative Robyn Vining. Congratulations to these stellar individuals and we wish you the best of luck in the next steps of your careers! 

July is #DisabilityPrideMonth – a time to celebrate the strength, visibility, and achievements of the disability community. Long before the Americans with Disabilities Act was signed in 1990, Wisconsin was already leading the way. As early as 1965, Our state added protections against disability discrimination to the Wisconsin Fair Employment Act in 1965 – 25 years ahead of the ADA. At DWD’s Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, we continue that proud tradition by helping individuals with disabilities find meaningful, fulfilling employment. In this short video, hear from DVR consumers across Wisconsin as they share what Disability Pride means to them. #DWD #DVR #DisabilityInclusion #ADA #WisconsinPride #EmploymentForAll

DWD joined UMOS, Inc., Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul, the head consul of Mexico in Milwaukee, Ambassador Claudia Franco Hijuelos, and a host of faith organizations and partners to hear about issues that are of importance to the community. DWD is proud to work closely with partners from industry, labor, education, government, and the nonprofit sector as we work to end worker exploitation in #Wisconsin – including the exploitation of migrant workers. Worker exploitation can take many forms, from failing to provide safe and sanitary working conditions, wage and hour violations, human trafficking, and depriving employees of the benefits they've earned through worker misclassification. Exploitive labor practices also hurt Wisconsin's economy because employers that play by the rules face a competitive disadvantage. DWD advocates for the protection and economic advancement of all Wisconsin workers, employers, and job seekers, and envisions a thriving economy in which all workers are treated fairly, with dignity and respect. We’re grateful for the state Department of Justice and UMOS for their partnership in this fight. 

DWD was SO impressed by the Teens Grow Greens apprentices — youth who are growing food, flowers and their futures at Westlawn Gardens! Special thanks to Employ Milwaukee for stewarding this program through the Worker Advancement Initiative (WAI) and helping teens learn how to grow healthy foods in the city. The program participants are receiving meaningful first-job experiences in horticulture, cooking, and environmental studies while learning practical skills they'll need to thrive in their careers and lives.

More than 1,000 #Wisconsin workers will receive hands-on training in construction, healthcare, manufacturing, and other critical sectors thanks to Wisconsin Fast Forward. These new worker training grants provide funding to 18 local employers to train unemployed, underemployed, and current workers. Trainees qualify for full-time work, better advanced employment, or increased wages.  DWD Secretary Amy Pechacek: "Through this strategic investment by Governor Tony Evers, we are addressing the workforce quantity challenges employers across the state have been facing and offering workers the skills they need to succeed." Details in our news release: bit.ly/44GE2sa

DWD Secretary Amy Pechacek joined the Wisconsin Worker's Compensation Advisory Council (WCAC) this morning to provide updates on the labor market and state and federal budgets.    The WCAC is essential to maintaining the stability and effectiveness of Wisconsin’s worker’s compensation program. Formally created in 1968, the WCAC advises the department and Legislature on critical policies relating to worker's compensation laws. Labor and management representatives spend months gathering testimony and negotiating to create an "agreed-upon" worker’s compensation bill. The WCAC bill is then sent to the Wisconsin State Legislature to consider and pass, and on to the Governor to sign.    We’re grateful to the WCAC members for their service and expertise as we work together to make Wisconsin the best state in the nation to live and work.