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SEPTEMBER 2023
WORKFORCE
CHRONICLES
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Happy Workforce Development Month! Workforce Development Month has been celebrated by our industry since 2005, and just last year was recognized by the U.S. Senate, acknowledging September as a month to recognize the crucial role workforce development plays in lifting the local, national, and global economy.
Last year for Workforce Development Month, I highlighted the innovations our team at Employ Milwaukee helped launch in response to the workforce shifts created by the COVID-19 pandemic.
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This year, I want to zoom out and talk about all of the partners that work collaboratively with Employ Milwaukee to make our wide array of services possible. As the Workforce Development Board serving Milwaukee County, Employ Milwaukee convenes job seekers, employers, training providers, funders & stakeholders, community- & faith-based organizations, and the Board of Directors to work cohesively to create solutions for the current and future workforce issues facing our community and support individuals in obtaining in-demand jobs with family sustaining wages. I am proud to say that since 2020, Employ Milwaukee, in collaboration with our workforce development partners, have successfully served over 18,000 individuals. | |
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The work Employ Milwaukee does could not be done without the investment and collaboration from each of these partners. Throughout Workforce Development Month, we will be diving deeper into the essential roles each of our partners provide. Follow along on our social media channels and connect with us to learn more about how our community benefits from a strong, more equitable workforce system.
Sincerely,
Chytania Brown
President & CEO
chytania.brown@employmilwaukee.org
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AGENCY UPDATE
Second Annual Fundraiser
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Listen to Employ Milwaukee's Podcast!
Milwaukee’s workforce development ecosystem constantly adapts to change as it responds to economic disruptions, new technologies, socioeconomic disparities, and now the impact of a global pandemic. Over the next decade, change will be even more dramatic, opening a whole new spectrum of possibilities around the notion of work and what both workers and employers need to be successful. Join Chytania Brown, President & CEO of Employ Milwaukee, along with workforce partners from the public and private sectors, as they discuss the insights, trends, challenges, and solutions of the current and future workforce landscape.
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STATE OF LABOR
State of the Labor Market Brief
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Employ Milwaukee is your expert on the labor market in Milwaukee County. See below for the latest metrics. | |
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SUCCESS STORY
Affirming Experiences
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Donovan on his field trip to Veolia's Jones Island Water Treatment facility. | |
"I am joyful. I am smart. I am brilliant." | |
These affirmations belong to 13-year-old Donovan Williams, a participant at Camp RISE this summer. Donovan initially applied to Camp RISE just for the money, but he ended up getting much more out of camp than just a paycheck.
Throughout the summer, Donovan learned about future career opportunities. His favorite field trip was to Jones Island, Milwaukee’s primary wastewater treatment plant. Donovan enjoyed learning about what goes on at the treatment plant and how the water is cleaned. “It made me think about a future career in water works.” Donovan said.
Camp RISE gave Donovan the opportunity to not only go on exciting field trips, but he also learned important life lessons from his counselors.
Donovan’s group focused on learning to support each other. “We shouldn’t be bullying others, or making fun. We should be building each other up, being respectful,” Donovan said.
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Donovan particularly looked up to one of his counselors, Jaymes Warrior. Jaymes was invested in Donovan and their group: “Donovan was an over-achieving camper since day one; from being the first to participate to being our group captain multiple weeks in a row. He always showed up with a smile on his face and always stood out. I had a lot of fun not only guiding him but also learning from him along the way.”
“I am thankful to have been accepted to Camp RISE.” Donovan said. Camp RISE received applications from nearly 1,000 kids with only 250 camper spots available. This fact was not unknown by Donovan’s group. They renamed their group “The Chosen Ones” to remind themselves that for each of them, there were dozens of kids who wanted to be in their shoes.
| Donovan (far left, second row) and his group, "The Chosen Ones" smile after receiving their first paychecks from Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson. | Camp RISE expands horizons and provides career exploration opportunities while building up the next generation of Milwaukee leaders. This year, Donovan and his fellow campers created their own mission statement for Camp RISE: | “We rise up, above our circumstances, through our challenges, beyond our fears and negative behavior to build a better tomorrow, and a better future for years to come.” | |
Upcoming Opportunities and Events! | |
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BankWork$
BankWork$ opens a door for young adults and adults from low income and minority communities to help them find and succeed in well-paying jobs that can lead to a lasting career. Students are often those who otherwise would not be considered a qualified candidate for positions in banking/financial services. Participants in the BankWork$ program must be 18 years or older, have a high school diploma or GED, have basic computer skills, and previous cash handling and customer service experience. Employ Milwaukee assesses individuals prior to enrollment to ensure eligibility requirements are met. BankWork$ classes are provided at no cost to the participants. The next cohort begins October 10. Register Now!
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Milwaukee Water Works Community Project
Interested in a starting your career in an essential municipal service field? The Milwaukee Water Works Community projects has four training tracks to train workers for stable, well-paying jobs.
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Cream City YouthBuild
Are you interested in learning construction and leadership skills, road-building, and accessing well-paying employment? Are you a high school drop-out who wants to get your HSED/GED? If so, Cream City YouthBuild may be for you! Cream City YouthBuild prepares young adults for careers and employment in the construction industry through a focus on attaining a high school diploma and construction skills while receiving exposure and access to employment in the construction trades.
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Workforce Summit 2023
Employ Milwaukee is hosting a Workforce Summit on September 20th, from 9a.m.-2p.m.! Come and learn about trending careers, paid programs and educational opportunities from experts. Through the event, you can also gain tools to move towards training employment and education!
Registration fee of $20 includes breakfast and lunch, registration packet and access to dynamic speakers and valuable information! Please call us at 414-316-0026 to arrange payment.
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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:
- Senior Contract Compliance Specialist
- Program Specialist
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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.
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