Up to $1 million in Wisconsin Fast Forward funding to be made available for demand-driven training focused on city residents; additional Access Point events announced
MADISON – September, 2016, Department of Workforce Development (DWD) Secretary Ray Allen announced a special Wisconsin Fast Forward (WFF) worker training grant opportunity focused on city of Milwaukee residents.
Area businesses and workforce partners can submit applications for up to $200,000 per worker training project, with $1 million in total funding being awarded to equip city residents with in-demand skills that employers are seeking. The application period opens September 29.
“Governor Walker has directed up to $1 million for employer-driven worker training solutions that help Milwaukee residents, including those who are unemployed, underemployed or face certain barriers, develop skills that are in demand by employers in the city and region, which strengthens the city and grows the economy,” Secretary Allen said. “This grant opportunity we are announcing today is reflective of the customized, flexible and responsive nature of the Governor’s Wisconsin Fast Forward worker training grant program. We again thank our partners in the Legislature for their continued support for this funding.”
Highlights of the grant opportunity include:
• Trainees: Milwaukee residents with emphasis on unemployed, underemployed, ex-offenders, firsttime graduates, new hires, incumbent workers.
• Applicants: Employers or organizations with employer partners, with special consideration given for city-based employers; grantee must include details on transportation service for city or regional training sites.
• Duration: Short- to medium-term training with each course or module not exceeding 12 months.
• Amounts: $5,000 to $200,000 per grantee.
• Application period: September 29 through November 10, with “intent to award” announcements within 60 days of application due date.
Secretary Allen was joined by area legislators at today’s announcement at Parklawn Assembly of God, 3725 N. Sherman Blvd., which hosted the second Job Center Access Point event in the city organized by DWD and state and local partners. The Job Center Access Points bring traditional services found at local Job Centers to specific Milwaukee neighborhoods. Individuals receive assistance from one of DWD’s employment and training counselors with writing a resume, interviewing and help identifying additional resources to assist them on their path to gainful employment including job leads. The first Job Center Access Point event was September 20 at Employ Milwaukee, 2338 N. 27th St.
The access point events and worker training grant opportunity is part of a $4.5 million investment that Governor Walker recently announced to strengthen the city’s economy, develop the workforce and revitalize neighborhoods.
“Through our Job Center Access Points, we are increasing awareness of DWD services and helping job seekers in Milwaukee take initial steps toward finding good-paying jobs,” Secretary Allen said. “We will continue rolling out these events for the next several weeks and encourage neighborhood residents to attend. As always, we also invite city residents to visit their nearest Job Center, as well.”
Secretary Allen announced upcoming Job Center Access Point events, which will run from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.:
• September 27, Milwaukee Urban League, West North Ave.
• October 5, UMOS, 2701 S. Chase Ave.
