News Archive

Industry and workforce leaders converged at National Association of Workforce Boards' Advocacy Day, passionately advocating for policies that strengthen our communities and empower workers. It's inspiring to see so many dedicated individuals championing the vital role of workforce boards. From crucial discussions on WIOA to highlighting innovative local programs, these...Continue Reading

DWD was thrilled to take part in the Wisconsin Workforce Development Association's #TDCON25, an annual gathering of business and industry leaders, trade association representatives, policymakers, and more to share best practices and align regional workforce development efforts.DWD Division of Employment and Training Administrator Michele Carter joined workforce development board leaders...Continue Reading

Today’s youth have many options pulling their attention toward future careers. Directing their attention toward the high-demand careers west central Wisconsin’s employers seek is critical to the region's quality of life. “Manufacturing feeds the economy here,” said Rob Ecker, Chippewa Valley Technical College (CVTC) Associate Dean of Manufacturing and Engineering.“The economic...Continue Reading

Click here to view Anthony Goettl's story…Continue Reading

I am truly at a loss for words when it comes to expressing my gratitude to both of you and everyone who played a role in helping us secure the Quest Grant. Thank you also for the invitation to attend this morning's meeting. I thoroughly enjoyed hearing the success stories...Continue Reading

Gov. Tony Evers today, together with the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD), today celebrated “National Apprenticeship Week” by announcing that Wisconsin’s Registered Apprenticeship Program has reached a record 17,089 enrolled apprentices, an all-time record. This surpasses record-high participation in both 2022 and 2023 and marks the third consecutive year...Continue Reading

Gov. Tony Evers and the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD) recently announced that Wisconsin’s Youth Apprenticeship program will add four new occupational pathways to its program offerings in the 2024-2025 school year: law enforcement, fire protection, project management, and barbering/cosmetology.“I declared 2024 the Year of the Worker in Wisconsin,...Continue Reading

West Central Wisconsin Workforce Development Board (West Central Works) seeks to provide workforce solutions for the businesses and workers in Barron, Chippewa, Clark, Dunn, Eau Claire, Pepin, Pierce, Polk and St. Croix counties. Its Business Services Team provides educational opportunities for employers on retention issues to keep businesses informed on...Continue Reading

The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD) today announced new record highs for jobs and employment during August 2024, according to preliminary estimates from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is the fourth consecutive monthly record for state employment, highlighting the unprecedented number of workers participating in Wisconsin's economy...Continue Reading

Wendella entered the WIOA Adult program in February 2023 with interest in pursuing CNA training. While in the program, Wendella successfully completed CNA training through Northwoods Tech and received WIOA assistance with tuition and fees, textbooks, nursing supplies such as a blood pressure cuff and stethoscope, and the testing fees...Continue Reading

Micayla was enrolled into the WIOA Adult and Support to Communities Programs on December 23rd of 2023 with the goal of becoming a Certified Peer Specialist, working part-time at a café during the duration of her time in the program. Support to Communities formed a contract with the Wisconsin Peer...Continue Reading

Korey Klammer was enrolled in the WIOA Dislocated Worker program on 04/14/2023 following a mass layoff at HTI in the Spring of 2023. At HTI, he worked as a technician and was not able to find a position with equal pay given his level of seniority and experience. As a...Continue Reading

A healthcare-oriented job fair is set to take place in Eau Claire.According to a flyer, the job fair is scheduled for Aug. 28, 2024, from 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m., located at Eau Claire County Job Center, 221 West Madison Street Eau Claire, WI 54703.Click here for all the details!Continue Reading

Every September, we celebrate Workforce Development Month to recognize, honor, and publicize the contributions of our nation's workforce development professionals.We encourage you to use this month to increase awareness and understanding of your work and to inspire new actions. We hope that the prompts below are helpful in guiding your...Continue Reading

Workforce issues persist well into 2024 nationwide. Employers can’t seem to find enough staff to match their requirements, while individuals face the difficult challenge of balancing work with school, training and family life.West Central Wisconsin experiences similar issues with unique concerns. Despite a comparatively young population and high labor force...Continue Reading

Gov. Tony Evers, together with the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD), today announced that 4,637 students in 17 school districts will benefit from advanced manufacturing training in preparation for high-demand job opportunities thanks to grants from the Wisconsin Fast Forward Program.“Advanced manufacturing is an important part of our economy...Continue Reading

Just as spring brings new growth out of winter’s clutches, Northwood Technical College offers youth and young adults in West Central Wisconsin the opportunity to gain new career opportunities. To that end, “Northwood Tech” became the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) service provider for the West Central Wisconsin Workforce...Continue Reading

Thank You… for the opportunity to complete the Autism for Educators program at CVTC! The course was very meaningful and certainly supported me in my current role as a special education assistant at Sherman Elementary School. The willingness of ECASD to partner with this program in correlation with professional development days...Continue Reading

The Department of Workforce Development today released the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) preliminary estimates for May 2024, which showed Wisconsin's employment hit a record high of 3,048,000 during the month. This is 6,500 more people employed than a year ago.Preliminary employment estimates for May 2024 showed Wisconsin's seasonally...Continue Reading

The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD) has launched an online, searchable database of substance abuse prevention policies for all contractors and subcontractors who perform public works projects.Wisconsin employers must have a written policy in place for the prevention of substance abuse among employees before working on a public works...Continue Reading