News Archive
News Articles
High Quality, Great Value: Education for the Whole Community at Chippewa Valley Technical College
Nov 24 2025Today’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...
Would customized occupational training take your business to the next level? Are you concerned about a prohibitive cost? Wisconsin Fast Forward (WFF) is the answer to your questions!The WFF standard grant program awards funds to businesses in all Wisconsin industry sectors that reimburse the costs of customized occupational training costs...
Looking for your next career move? Join us for the Eau Claire Job Fair, hosted at the Eau Claire County Job Center on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, from 1:00 to 4:30 PM.Why Attend?Meet 10+ employers from a range of industries. Whether you’re just starting out or aiming for a career change, this is...
The Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act (WIOA) Grant is a tremendous tool to help potential employees and employers alike. West Central Works can work with you on applying, no matter your situation. Adults seeking better-paying work, dislocated workers needing a fresh start or youth navigating how to start a career,...
Ready to take the next step toward a stable future? Windows to Work offers incarcerated individuals about to be released pre‑ and post‑release support to ensure successful reintegration into West Central Wisconsin.Make a plan to secure employment todayStarting six months before release, participants receive one‑on‑one case management and training in...
In celebration of National Workforce Development month in Wisconsin, the Department of Workforce Development (DWD) invites job seekers, employers, and partners to explore services offered by the Job Center of Wisconsin (JCW) on Wednesdays in September (Sept. 10, 17, and 24), from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 13 job...
TDCON 2026 is Coming!
Sep 4 2025The Talent and Development Conference #TDCON2026April 21-22, 2026Green Bay, WIKI Convention CenterHosted by the Wisconsin Workforce Development Association (WWDA).Don’t miss this statewide networking and collaborating event with business leaders, HR professionals, and your local and state workforce development champions!Become a Sponsor! Download FlyerBecome a Speaker! Download Flyer
The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD) has awarded $998,114 in Wisconsin Fast Forward grants to 19 school districts throughout the state. The Advanced Manufacturing Technical Education Equipment grants will benefit 4,223 students and help address the state's skilled workforce shortage by supporting schools as they prepare students for quality...
The Worker Advancement Initiative (WAI) Grant exists to help individuals find the jobs they seek. The program works with employers to offer subsidized employment, skills training, and vital support services. Participants with WAI gain access to paid work experience, hard/soft skill development, on‑the‑job training and support services like transportation, cost‑of‑living...
The QUEST Grant provides a path for motivated individuals to launch a high-demand career in Western Wisconsin’s childcare industry! Funded by the Workforce Innovation Grant through the West Central Wisconsin Workforce Development Board, QUEST supports individuals pursuing training toward working in childcare. Whether you're unemployed, underemployed, or looking to upskill,...
The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development today released U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates of employment and unemployment statistics for metropolitan areas, major cities, and counties in Wisconsin for July 2025.Click here to view all the data.
The FORWD DWG Grant empowers communities to address the opioid crisis impacting their residents through meaningful, disaster‑relief employment and supportive training opportunities.Eligible participants include dislocated workers, Individuals temporarily or permanently laid off as a consequence of the opioid crisis, Individuals who are long-term unemployed or Self-employed individuals who became unemployed...
4th of July at Wakanda Park
Jun 10 2025We are bringing back the 4th of JULY at Wakanda Park in Menomonie WI. Old school fun with Massive Fireworks, Food Trucks, Beer, Open Mic, Fun Run, Pickle Ball Tournaments, Softball, Family Friendly Fun, Bouncy House, Watermelon Feed and all the good old stuff. The DWEEBS will be on the...
Local employers expected to interact with over 2,000 regional students throughout the day on Thursday, at an event that has been going on in the region for roughly 25 years.Though the partnerships and connections have existed beforehand, this also marks the first year that the hands-on Career Venture event is...
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...
#TDCON25
Apr 30 2025DWD 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...
With A Grateful Heart
Dec 8 2024I 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...
Gov. Evers, DWD Announce All-Time Record-High Number of Apprentices in Programs 112-Year History
Nov 18 2024Gov. 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...
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,...
