Job Center Access Point is the first of three planned for the month of September
MILWAUKEE – Lieutenant Governor Rebecca Kleefisch joined Department of Workforce Development (DWD) Secretary Ray Allen, Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett and other local workforce partners and business leaders at the first Job Center Access Point event held at the Employ Milwaukee’s HIRE Center to provide individuals in Milwaukee with the tools needed to take the first step to gaining family supporting employment.
The event is the first in a series of Job Center Access Points following Governor Walker’s announcement of an additional $4.5 million to support Milwaukee’s workforce, economic development and neighborhood revitalization just over two weeks ago.
“The ability of the state, county, and city governments to quickly collaborate and innovate to meet the needs of Milwaukee’s workforce is truly inspiring,” Lt. Governor Kleefisch said. “Mobilizing job center services and bringing them directly into specific neighborhoods provides residents with maximum convenience to kick start their careers. As Wisconsin’s economy continues to grow, we must have an all-hands-on-deck approach so every individual who wants a job has access to services that give them the best opportunity.”
The Job Center Access Points bring the traditional Job Center services that have been available at DWD’s four job centers to specific neighborhoods in Milwaukee. Moving these services to other Milwaukee neighborhoods has the potential to increase job seeker participation, ensuring that anyone who wants a job can receive the support they need to search for and acquire a family supporting career.
“Developing talent in Milwaukee has been an area of focus for Governor Walker and DWD, and I look forward to working with our partners to oversee Wisconsin’s additional $4.5 million investment to strengthen workforce and economic development opportunities in the City of Milwaukee,” Secretary Allen said.
“Through the series of Job Center Access Points, we will provide opportunities to job seekers to acquire the basic skills that employers require in today’s economy, and give them the means to take the first step to landing a rewarding career.”
During today’s event, the Center for Healthcare Careers of Southeastern Wisconsin announced the healthcare system partners will work to fill 450 entry and mid-level job openings with area residents interested in a career in a healthcare setting. The Center for Healthcare Careers will work in collaboration with Employ Milwaukee and the current and future Job Center Access Points to identify job seekers to attend information sessions and learn more about career pathways in the healthcare industry.
At the information sessions, job seekers will meet with hospital representatives and learn more about the healthcare system work environment.
Today’s event is the first in a series of Job Center Access Points planned for the City of Milwaukee.
Additional Job Center Access Points will be offered from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. at these locations: Parklawn Assembly of God Church on September 20 and the Milwaukee Urban League on September 27. Additional dates and locations are being identified.
Each Job Center Access Point will be staffed with experienced Career Counselors from DWD’s Division of Employment and Training and the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, staff from the Department of Children and Families and other partner agencies that are responsible for administering worker training programs available through the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act.
For more information on the services available through DWD’s network of Job Centers and online, please visit https://jobcenterofwisconsin.com/.
