The 2011 Workforce Investment Act (WIA) Local Plan describes the Milwaukee Area Workforce Investment Board’s (MAWIB’s) vision for workforce development, including operation of the One Stop Career Centers and other vital employment and training services for Milwaukee County residents under the provisions of WIA and the Workforce Development Board.
WIA 2011 Local Plan
Civic Justice Program Begins
The MAWIB is starting a new program to serve juvenile offenders ages 18 to 24 who have been involved with the juvenile justice system within 12 months before. This $1.5 M program is a new venture for the MAWIB funded by the Department of Labor.
Summer Youth Program
Over 1,400 youth had the opportunity to learn about the world of work through the Earn and Learn program.
Capping a terrific summer experience of working for community organizations and private employers, youth attended a Resource Fair at the end of August. DWD Secretary Baumbach shared in the excitement of the Resource Fair. Youth learned about many of the community resources available to them. They also received their certificate of completion and final paycheck.
Healthcare Training Institute
Mayor Tom Barrett, Don Sykes, the Co-Directors of the Milwaukee Healthcare Alliance (Brenda Gray and Paula Penebaker) and other guests inaugurated the Health- care Training Institute (HTI). Located at 334 W. Brown Street; the HTI is designed to provide one-stop job assistance for low income job seekers in the healthcare area. Major funding is provided by the Federal Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families. For more information on HTI go to: careerworkshti.org
Mayor Barrett Announces Green Career
Milwaukee area youth will have the opportunity to explore new
green job opportunities at the City’s upcoming Green Career Day. The day-long
event will showcase various green employers, non profit organizations and
educational institutions.
“This event is a clear sign of the city’s commitment to green jobs and our future by
exposing Milwaukee’s youth to sustainable careers,” said Mayor Tom Barrett. “By
connecting young people with green entities, we hope to both support the work of
green organizations and draw youth into green careers.”
The Milwaukee Area Workforce Investment Board is coordinating and hosting the
event. Plans include exhibitors providing interactive educational green experiences
for event attendees. Youth will also have the opportunity to network with the
exhibitors throughout the summit. “The Green Career Day will showcase our
existing partners to help young people get connected to the green economy,” said
Don Sykes, CEO and President of the MAWIB.
The Green Career Day takes place on April 7 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the
Milwaukee Area Workforce Investment Board, 2342 N. 27th Street. Youth can
register the day of the event. All youth between the ages of 14 – 21 are invited.
Power Controls Industry Partnership Training Begins
The first cohort of 17 jobseekers began their training in August at the Milwaukee Area Technical College to gain skills leading to jobs as Electronic Assemblers. This training is funded by DWD and responds to industry needs to develop skilled Electronic technicians to employers such as Helios, Ingeteam and other employers who need skilled workers.
Transitional Jobs Program Continues
At risk of being cut as part of the FY 2011 State of Wisconsin budget, the program was restored by the Joint Finance Committee and further program restrictions were eliminated by line-item vetoes by Governor Walker. Transitional jobs are short-term, publicly funded jobs that combine on-the-job work experience with a mix of supportive services to help long-term unemployed overcome barriers to employment. The MAWIB’s program, Milwaukee Works!, has been helpful in providing this community with jobs in this time of high unemployment. With its partners SDC-CR and the YWCA, the MAWIB put 456 to work. Of these, 29 gained permanent employment and more continue to seek placement.
Noel Starks, a Milwaukee Works! participant, is now currently working full time for Prism Technical Management & Marketing Services. She said of her transitional job experience, “was well worth the money spent on the program, it gave me job training and work, it gives people so much opportunity.”
Don Sykes President of WWDA
The Wisconsin Workforce Development Association promotes, enhances, and serves the interests of local workforce investment agencies and system partners in Wisconsin. Don Sykes – CEO of the Milwaukee Area Workforce Investment Board – has been elected to serve as President.
