CONTACT: DWD Communications, 608-266-2722
On the Web: http://dwd.wisconsin.gov/dwd/news.htm
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MADISON – Today, Governor Scott Walker proclaimed November as Career Development Month in Wisconsin to highlight the state’s efforts to provide career development services and options to Wisconsin’s workforce. The month provides an opportunity to emphasize services to youth through innovative programs like Academic and Career Planning (ACP), Youth Apprenticeship and the recent launch of the Department of Workforce Development’s all-new economic and labor market information website, WisConomy.com.

“Under the leadership of Governor Walker, Wisconsin’s focus has changed from ‘jobs, jobs, jobs,’ to ‘workforce, workforce workforce,’ and innovative programs like ACP, Youth Apprenticeship and others provide youth with opportunities to explore and prepare for future success in high-growth occupations,” DWD Secretary Allen said. “Throughout Career Development Month, DWD and our workforce, economic development and education partners will help raise awareness of best practices in career planning and workforce development throughout the state.”

Today, DWD officials joined GPS Education Partners at Strattec in Milwaukee to highlight DWD’s Youth Apprenticeship program, which allows high school juniors and seniors to work at local businesses to gain hands-on work experience and, ultimately, to make informed education and career decisions. Tomorrow, DWD officials will join local partners in hosting a Community Open House, Resource and Job Fair at the Job Center Central location at Century City Tower in Milwaukee. The event will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and highlight career services and training options provided through Wisconsin’s statewide network of job centers.

Other examples of DWD’s career development strategies include:

WisConnect – Your Source for Wisconsin Internships, is a mobile-friendly website designed to match college students with Wisconsin employers with available internships in their desired fields.

JobCenterofWisconsin.com, Wisconsin’s online public labor exchange that connects employers with job seekers at no cost, 24 hours a day. The website integrates career development services with advanced skills matching features and real-time labor market data through DWD’s enhanced WisConomy system which help businesses and workers make informed employment decisions

Youth Apprenticeship to Registered Apprenticeship bridge, which connects two of the state’s premier work-based learning programs by providing high school students with a seamless transition into apprenticeship training and family supporting employment. Additionally, National Apprenticeship Week will run from November 13-19.

The Division of Vocational Rehabilitation’s youth services, which bring DVR services to individuals with disabilities while still in school, allowing them to learn more about the services available to them and assist in their transition from school to competitive integrated employment or post-secondary education and training.

Other state-led career development programs include Academic and Career Planning through the Department of Public Instruction and the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation’s Fabrication Laboratories, or Fab Lab, grant program. The Fab Lab Grant application period is currently open with applications due December 14, 2017.

Read Governor Walker’s proclamation.

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