NOVEMBER 2023

WORKFORCE

CHRONICLES

Happy November. This month brings a workforce development celebration that I am a huge supporter of: National Apprenticeship Week. National Apprenticeship Week occurs November 13-19th and is a time to acknowledge the immense impact Registered Apprenticeship has on building our economy, advancing equity, and supporting historically underserved communities. 

Registered Apprenticeship is an industry-driven training model that expedites the pathway to quality, high-wage jobs. Apprenticeship falls outside of the traditional post-secondary pathway and is an incredible pipeline for underrepresented populations to be trained for in-demand, skilled occupations while earning a good wage. Apprenticeship has long been synonymous with the trades, but in recent years has expanded past the typical Construction and Manufacturing industries into IT, Healthcare, Transportation, Cybersecurity, Energy, Financial Services, and Hospitality. Apprenticeship allows employers from all industries to gain a skilled workforce through a program that is tailored to their organization’s unique needs, standards, and goals. 

I am a strong believer in the power of Registered Apprenticeship and the large impact it has on individuals, families, employers, and communities alike. Apprenticeship works. If you are interested in learning more about how Apprenticeship can work for you, connect with our team at Employ Milwaukee and follow along with our social media accounts as we celebrate National Apprenticeship Week. 

Sincerely,



Chytania Brown

President & CEO

chytania.brown@employmilwaukee.org

Employ Milwaukee is excited to announce that Wisconsin has achieved a significant milestone by receiving both the U.S. Economic Development Association Phase 1 Tech Hub designation and a Strategy Grant. This dual recognition is a testament to Wisconsin's leadership in the biohealth industry, highlighting our capabilities for future growth and innovation. Wisconsin’s existing strength in personalized medicine, biohealth technology, precision manufacturing, and automation positions the state as a prime hub for exponential growth and innovation. Employ Milwaukee is proud to be a consortium member in securing these distinctions, showcasing the strength of our collective efforts.

Thanks to our partners in this exciting initiative: BioForward, Inc; Accuray; Exact Sciences; GE HealthCare; Milwaukee Area Technical College; Madison Area Technical College; Madison Region Economic Partnership; Milwaukee 7; Plexus Corp.; Rockwell Automation; University of Wisconsin-Madison; Universities of Wisconsin; Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation; and Senator Tammy Baldwin.

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

TRAINING SPOTLIGHT

Apprenticeship Snapshot

SUCCESS STORY

Building a Career with Pre-Apprenticeship

Employ Milwaukee's Healthy Homes Construction Careers works with a variety of partner programs to train job seekers in construction careers and connect them to contractors. One such partner program is Social Development Commission’s Absolute Advantage program, a 12-week pre-apprenticeship program designed to prepare participants for high quality construction jobs.

Christopher Wills' journey is a testament to the transformative power of perseverance and the opportunities offered by the Absolute Advantage Program. When Christopher initially joined the program, he was grappling with overwhelming stress and anxiety, compounded by a lack of employment prospects and the absence of marketable skills. It was a daunting time for him, marked by uncertainty about his future.

Healthy Homes Construction Careers participants.

Determined to succeed despite the challenges he faced, Christopher joined Absolute Advantage. Through the support he received from the program, Christopher gradually found his path to success. With the guidance and resources provided, he acquired the necessary skills and knowledge to navigate the job market effectively. Over time, his anxiety began to recede as he gained confidence in his abilities.

Graduating on July 13, 2023, marked a monumental achievement in Christopher's life. At his graduation, Christopher's dedication and exceptional skills were recognized as he received the prestigious Contractor's Choice Award, a testament to his outstanding commitment and work ethic.

Just three weeks later Christopher embarked on the next chapter of his journey, starting a full-time position as a Framer with Wellenstein & Sons Inc, a renowned carpentry company located in Pewaukee, with the ultimate goal of becoming a Carpenter Apprentice. With enthusiasm and a hunger for knowledge, Christopher embraced his new role and the invaluable experience he was gaining from his new employer. His success story serves as an inspiration to all, showcasing how determination, hard work, and the right opportunities can lead to a fulfilling and rewarding career in the construction industry.

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

UPCOMING EVENTS & OPPORTUNITIES

QUEST Early Childhood Education Workforce Event

Come join us for QUEST Early Childhood Education Workforce Event from 7:30 AM- 9:30 AM, Wednesday Nov. 15, 2023, at Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC). Business representatives, community leaders, and workforce development professionals will be discussing QUEST, a program which address multiple workforce problems in an innovative way. QUEST will connect quality childcare centers with job seekers in order to expand Early Childhood Education options in Milwaukee.

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.

Cream City YouthBuild

Are you interested in learning construction and leadership skills while 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.

Job Seeker Newsletter

Subscribe to our Job Seeker Newsletter to receive weekly updates about job opportunities, open positions, hiring events and skills training programs right to your inbox! Sign up today.

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:

• Program Specialist
• 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.