A quarterly newsletter by Boys & Girls Clubs of Dane County featuring updates on our McKenzie Regional Workforce Center and CareerForce Build UP! Programming.


Hello Brandon,


We are incredibly proud of our recent Pre-Apprenticeship graduates at the McKenzie Regional Workforce Center. Their dedication and hard work exemplify the mission of Boys & Girls Clubs of Dane County, and we are honored to support them on their career paths. As we look ahead to spring, we are excited to continue expanding our programming, including the addition of the NextGen Builders Residential Skills Academy, which offers flexible schedules ideal for students and recent graduates looking to gain hands-on experience in the trades.

The success of Careerforce Build UP! would not be possible without the unwavering support of our valued partners - Madison Area Builders Association, WRTP | BIG STEP, Latino Academy of Workforce Development, and Habitat for Humanity of Dane County. Their commitment to workforce development has provided life-changing opportunities for our youth, helping to build a skilled and prepared workforce for the future.


As we gear up for spring, we invite you to take part in our upcoming workshops, especially our Family Build Day with Habitat for Humanity on March 29th, where volunteers will help build a home for a family in need. We look forward to another season of growth, opportunity, and impact, and we thank you for being part of this journey with us.

Gratefully, 

Michael Johnson, MBA

President & CEO

DONATE TODAY FOR A GREAT FUTURE

CAREERFORCE BUILD UP! PROGRAMMING

ENGINEERING DAY INSPIRES YOUNG MINDS!

On Friday, February 21st, our Engineering Day Workshop, presented by Careerforce Build Up!, gave youth ages 13-17 an exciting hands-on experience with real-world engineering projects! Local engineers from the Madison area led a variety of activities, including Energy with MG&E, Electronic Motor Magic, Glider Planes, and The Bridge Challenge - where students built bridges to test their strength under weight. With even more engaging projects and a pizza lunch, it was a fun and inspiring day of learning!

HONORING OUR FUTURE TRADESPEOPLE

We were thrilled to celebrate our Pre-Apprenticeship graduates! On January 17, 2025, students completed a comprehensive training program designed to jumpstart their careers in the construction industry. Throughout the program, they earned valuable credentials - including OSHA-10, first aid/CPR/AED, fall protection, and flagging certifications - while mastering construction practices and exploring the diverse trades available in the field. Congratulations to all our graduates for taking this exciting step towards a bright future in construction! a huge thank you to our partners: Madison Area Builders Association, WRTP|Big Step, Latino Academy of Workforce Development Inc, and Habitat for Humanity of Dane County, whose support made this program possible!

BUILDING FUTURES IN CONSTRUCTION

The Construction Career Fair on March 7 at the McKenzie Regional Workforce Center was a huge success! Hosted by the Latino Academy of Workforce Development and Boys & Girls Clubs of Dane County, the event brought together job seekers of all ages to connect with top employers in the construction industry. With Madison schools closed for parent-teacher conferences, many students took advantage of the opportunity to explore career paths in the skilled trades.



With 20 companies on-site, attendees had the chance to network, ask questions, and even land interviews. The strong turnout showed just how much interest there is in construction careers, and we’re excited to keep building opportunities like this for our community. Thank you to everyone who made the event possible!

UPCOMING PROGRAMMING

SPRING BREAK WORKSHOPS

Spring Break at the McKenzie Regional Workforce Center is packed with hands-on learning opportunities for youth! Money Matters: make it count will teach financial literacy skills. Construction Business and Skilled Trades Exploration offer real-world experience in construction and skilled trades. The week wraps up with Family Build Day on Saturday, March 29 where participants will help build homes with Habitat for Humanity.

NextGen Builders: Residential Skills Academy!

Boys & Girls Clubs of Dane County, in partnership with Madison Area Builders Association, is continuing the NextGen Builders: Residential Skills Academy!


This FREE program is perfect for young adults (16-24) looking to kickstart a career in construction by learning hands-on skills like blueprint reading, tool handling, and safety protocols while gaining valuable experience with industry professionals.


The next session runs April 7 – June 27 (Monday – Wednesday: 9:00 AM –12:00 PM, Thursday: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM), with flexible schedules ideal for students or recent graduates.

REGISTER NOW

NOW HIRING

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

MEMBERSHIP SERVICES COORDINATOR

Boys & Girls Clubs of Dane County is Seeking a

Memberships Services Coordinator


The Membership Services Coordinator provides exceptional customer service to BGCDC members, families, volunteers, partners, and community members. This role ensures a welcoming environment at the McKenzie Regional Workforce Center and supports program operations. Responsibilities include maintaining facility cleanliness, processing enrollments and payments, responding to inquiries, and assisting with administrative tasks. The Coordinator also supports food service duties and may help with programming when needed. This position requires flexibility, including morning, evening, and weekend shifts.


Essential Job Responsibilities:


  • Membership & Customer Service: Manage applications, track attendance, greet guests, and assist with inquiries and facility needs.


  • Safety, Facility Maintenance & Administration: Enforce safety protocols, monitor access points, maintain clean spaces, assist with food handling, and provide admin support.


  • Member Supervision & Engagement: Supervise members, foster a welcoming environment, and assist leadership with program activities.


This is a Full-Time position

$18-$20 per hour

Click Here for Full Position Description & to Apply

THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNERS

On behalf of Boys & Girls Clubs of Dane County, we'd like to extend our deepest gratitude to our program partners. Because of you, we are making a profound impact in our community and will continue to do so for years to come.

SUPPORT THE MCKENZIE REGIONAL WORKFORCE CENTER

Our goal is to train and connect hundreds of young people and emerging adults to the trades for generations to come. Click the button below to connect with our VP of Workforce Development, Alan Branch, and get involved with our skilled trades & and entrepreneurship programming.

Click here to connect with Alan on opportunities for the McKenzie Regional Workforce Center
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