FEBRUARY 2024

WORKFORCE

CHRONICLES

Happy February and Black History Month! As we step into the possibilities of 2024, I extend my warmest wishes to each one of you.

I am thrilled to declare 2024 as our year of "Restoration." Reflecting on the past year, where we embraced "Transformation," I acknowledge the challenges we faced, the changes we navigated, and the growth that ensued—some of it was not always easy but undeniably necessary. Behind the scenes, there was a transformative process shaping the foundation for what lies ahead.

Now, as we embark on this new chapter of "Restoration," the vision is clear—to make things new again, better than before. We stand at a crucial juncture, where our collective efforts have yielded remarkable results over the years.

In celebrating Black History Month this February, we recognize the profound intersection between the rich contributions of Black Americans to the workforce and our commitment to restoration. It's a time to honor the resilience, innovation, and lasting impact of Black individuals on the economic landscape, inspiring us as we forge ahead.

The year 2024 holds promise and excitement. Planning is already in motion for our upcoming summer programs, a vital part of our commitment to you. Moreover, we are blessed with new funding in 2023 that paves the way for innovative programs in construction, transportation, healthcare, advanced manufacturing, information technology, and hospitality. These programs signify more than just training—they represent our commitment to restoring opportunities, creating pathways for diverse workers, and fostering growth in key industries.

Let's make 2024 a remarkable year for our community members, workforce stakeholders, and each other. The journey ahead is filled with promise, and I am eager to witness the positive impact we will collectively make on the vibrant tapestry of our beloved Milwaukee.

Thank you for your continued support, dedication, and the spirit you bring to our shared mission. Here's to a year of restoration, growth, and shared success!

Sincerely,

Chytania Brown

President & CEO

chytania.brown@employmilwaukee.org

Local Workforce Development Boards (WDBs) and their CEOs are tasked with a critical responsibility: developing and submitting a comprehensive four-year Local Plan to the Department of Workforce Development. It's an opportunity for WDBs to identify strategies and efficiencies that align with the modernization of our workforce system, emphasizing customer-centered solutions where the needs of workers and businesses are paramount. The Local Plan should prioritize the current and projected needs of the entire workforce investment system, taking into account job seekers, incumbent workers, youth, and businesses at every stage. Input from local stakeholders is crucial in this process, fostering collaboration and partnership to enhance the entire system. Let's work together to shape a workforce system that serves everyone effectively. Your participation in this planning process is vital—let your voice be heard!

Employ Milwaukee is your expert on the labor market in Milwaukee County. See below for the latest metrics.

SECTOR SPOTLIGHT

Construction Careers

SUCCESS STORY

Building a Better Career

Delorean J. had been working for over 5 years as a Lab Technician, when the company he worked for closed. While he enjoyed his job, he admittedly found it monotonous and offered few-to-no opportunities for advancement. During the Spring of 2023 after hearing about the TradeSmart MC3 training program offered at WRTP/BIG STEP, he enrolled in this nationally recognized, multi craft construction course to pivot into a career within skilled trades. Employ Milwaukee’s Skillful Transitions program paid for Delorean’s TradeSmart training which also included a $15/hr. stipend for hours spent in the classroom. 

Delorean successfully completed his training, and the WAI grant funded a Paid Work Experience (for up to 29 hrs./week) so he had a paid, hands-on learning experience on a construction site. After about four months, Gilbane Construction brought Delorean on full-time  through one of its contractors, CornerStone One.

Delorean (left) with James Methu (right) of Gilbane Construction.

Delorean now looks forward to starting an apprenticeship as a Plumber. While currently working on the Wisconsin Center expansion project in downtown Milwaukee, the next project he hopes to be a part of is the Northwestern Mutual North Office Building Modernization Project in 2024. 

When asked what makes the Gilbane Construction partnership with Employ Milwaukee a success, James Methu, Gilbane’s Economic Inclusion & Community Affairs Specialist said, “The MC3 credentialed training through WRTP/BIG STEP was really key for our contractors to have confidence that the people they were bringing on had the skills they needed. And, overall, the City of Milwaukee’s Residents Preference Program (RPP) helped our contractors find the RPP-certified residents they needed to work on this project. It was a win all around for Milwaukee workers and businesses.” [Contractors bidding on public works projects financed with tax dollars, must hire a percentage of RPP-certified City of Milwaukee residents to work on those projects.]

“When I started the MC3 training, I immediately knew that a career in the trades was for me”, Delorean said. “I was a little nervous when I first got on this huge construction site, but Gilbane and CornerStone One have great communication, are really well organized, and they paired me up with experienced tradespeople that I could continue to learn so much from. When this project is done, I can’t wait to bring my kids here and show them what I helped build.”

Employ Milwaukee’s Skillful Transitions (Worker Advancement Initiative) program offers skills training and paid work experience, thanks to a grant facilitated by the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development and supported by the American Rescue Plan Act State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (ARPA).

Do you have a success story of your own? Employ Milwaukee would love to hear it!

UPCOMING EVENTS & OPPORTUNITIES

Hiring Events

Employ Milwaukee's Business Solutions Team regularly hosts Hiring Events in a variety of industries to connect job seekers to employers with quality jobs. Hiring Events include on-the-spot interviews to ensure immediate impact! All events will be held at Employ Milwaukee offices, 2342 N. 27th St. Milwaukee, WI 53210.

• Manufacturing Hiring Event: Thursday, February 8th 3-5 PM
• How to Get a Job in Urban Forestry: Thursday, February 15th 3-5 PM
• Healthcare Hiring Event: Thursday, February 22nd 3-5 PM

Earn & Learn Employers

Is your business looking for summer employees? Employ Milwaukee subsidizes wages of youth employees for private, public, non-profit, and faith-based organizations and companies who provide enriching summer work experience for youth. Interested employers must attend a webinar to begin the application process.

Camp RISE

Camp RISE is back for year 3! Camp RISE is a free summer enrichment and career exploration program that aims to provide Milwaukee youth with the tools to become leaders in their community. Youth must be aged 10-13, reside in the city of Milwaukee, and attend a Milwaukee Public School. Applications will open in Spring 2024. If you are interested in being notified via email when application are live, complete our Interest Form.

Work Wise

Work Wise is a senior employment program that provides unemployed adults aged 55 and older with training opportunities and part-time, paid work experience in community service organizations. The on-the-job experience helps build and improve participants' skills for permanent employment. Each participant receives individual job counseling and a comprehensive assessment.

TDCON 2024

The Wisconsin Workforce Development Association is hosting its annual Talent Development Conference (TDCON) 2024 in La Crosse April 9 & 10. The conference will offer high-quality programming highlighting successful workforce development strategies from across Wisconsin. Attendees will hear insights from Wisconsin's top workforce development leaders. We hope to see you there! 

Listen to Workforce Insights with Employ Milwaukee's Podcast!

Join Chytania Brown, President & CEO of Employ Milwaukee, along with workforce partners from the public and private sectors, for insightful conversations, engaging stories, and a glimpse into the world of workforce development.

HIRING CORNER

Looking for a career in workforce development? Come join us at Employ Milwaukee! We are currently on the lookout for ‘go-getter’ talent to join our A-Team at the agency in the following areas:

• Workforce Specialist
• Instructor - Clinical Medical Assistant

For more information about

Employ Milwaukee’s programs

and services, please visit: www.employmilwaukee.org

or call (414) 270-1700.

Employ Milwaukee is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Service Provider and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to

individuals with disabilities or language needs.