Department of Workforce Development

Kirsten Johnson Aims to Restore Trust in Public Health

And bolster workforce. State DHS leader oversees nearly 6,000 employees.

Marquette University School of Dentistry dean appointed to Governor’s Task Force on the Healthcare Workforce

Gov. Evers, Members of Evers Administration Meet with Eau Claire Leaders to Support Regional Healthcare Workforce Following HSHS and Prevea Closures

Most of State’s High-Paying Future Jobs Require College Degree

Report shows over half of jobs paying $50,000 or more will require a bachelor's degree.

Labor Leaders Want 2024 To Be A Big Year for Unions

Poll says a supermajority of Americans now say they support unions. Groups hope to deliver more wins for workers.

Evers Task Force to Spotlight Health Care Worker Shortage

Everyone in state should have good quality care, 'no matter their zip code.'

Gov. Evers Signs Executive Order Creating Task Force on the Healthcare Workforce, Appoints Lieutenant Governor Chair

Governor’s task force announced in State of the State address to create action plan to address chronic challenges in the state’s healthcare industry, bolster healthcare workforce

DWD, Regional Partners Taking Action to Support Healthcare Industry Workforce in Eau Claire, Chippewa Valley Regions

December Local Employment and Unemployment Data Released

Press Release: Gov. Evers Delivers 2024 State of the State Address

Gov. Evers Declares 2024 the Year of the Worker

Governor’s declaration builds on administration’s work to bolster state’s workforce in high-demand, high-need industries

Gov. Evers, Members of Evers Administration Celebrate Grand Opening of Child Care Center in Sturgeon Bay

State Sets Record With 3,026,500 Jobs

December's totals also show low unemployment rate of 3.3% as 'fairly strong economy' continues.

DWD Highlights Year of Historic Results for Workforce in 2023 Annual Report

BLS Data – Total Nonfarm Jobs Hit Record High for Second Month

Unemployment Insurance 2023 Tax Statements Available Online

State Labor Secretary Touts Wins in 2023

Record year for apprenticeships and much improved unemployment insurance system.

Apprenticeship Bill Targets Teacher Shortage

Students would attend college two years, then teach for two more before graduation.

Bills Classify Ride-Share Drivers As Independent Contractors

Uber, other companies again push law that 'eliminates' worker rights, AFL-CIO charges.

November Local Employment and Unemployment Data Released

2023 Roundup: Gov. Evers Highlights 2023 Accomplishments

Wisconsin Reaches New Job Record, Unemployment Remains Low

Unemployment rate, labor force participation both beat national benchmarks.

BLS Data: State Reaches All-Time High in Monthly Total Nonfarm Jobs

State Supreme Court Hears Arguments on ‘Gig Workers’

Should Amazon delivery drivers be treated as employees, earn unemployment aid?

Three-Agency Collaboration Supports Higher Employment Rates for Individuals with Disabilities

Competitive Integrated Employment Yielding Improved Employment Outcomes

Wisconsin Apprenticeship Partners with UW-Stout on New Program

Certificate program allows students to apply coursework toward apprenticeship or college degree

Court Will Decide If Amazon Drivers Are Really Independent Contractors

Wisconsin Supreme Court will rule on case, which would make workers eligible for unemployment.

Governor’s Task Force on Workforce and Artificial Intelligence Continues Efforts to Identify Priorities for Training, Education, and Employment Solutions

DWD Equal Rights Case Portal Adopts MyWisconsin ID

Celebrating innovation and entrepreneurship in Kenosha’s Uptown

WEDC Secretary Hughes announces grant, visits small businesses

October Local Employment and Unemployment Data Released

Proposal Would Eliminate Teen Work Permits

Critics say it would eliminate funding for employer education, compliance monitoring.

BLS Data: State Labor Force Participation Rate Holds Steady in October

Gov. Evers, DWD Announce All-Time Record-High Number of Registered Apprentices in Program’s 112-Year History

A record 16,384 apprentices to participate in state program to ‘earn while they learn’

City Attorney Spencer Faces Inspector’s Call For Ouster, Likely Violation Of Discrimination Law

Inspector General says attorney, deputy committed misconduct in office, state hearing coming on separate case.

Gov. Evers Announces Winners of 2023 Vets Ready Employer Awards

Seventeen employers honored for exemplary commitment to hiring and supporting veterans

DWD Taking Applications for Wisconsin Fast Forward Worker Training Grants

Application deadline is Nov. 28 for innovative and collaborative customized worker training projects

Gov. Evers Announces Appointments to Governor’s Task Force on Workforce and Artificial Intelligence

30 task force members, national AI experts set to convene at public task force meeting Oct. 30 in Madison

September Local Employment and Unemployment Data Released

State’s Job Surge Continues in September

Number of jobs in Wisconsin set a new record for third month in a row.

Strauss Brands Cutting 130 Jobs

Meatpacking company in Franklin cutting two product lines, causing job cuts.

Summit brings leaders ‘Together’ to build an economy for all

WEDC event celebrates innovative workforce solutions

BLS Data: State Reaches Record Number of Jobs for Third Month in Row

DWD Accepting Proposals for Nearly $1 Million in Wisconsin Fast Forward Funds for Technical Education Equipment in Schools

Applications for advanced manufacturing tool and equipment grants are due 3 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 5

GOP Senators Express Skepticism of Governor’s Childcare, Workforce Bill

Issue coming to head with worker shortage, expiration of childcare subsidy program.

DWD Equal Rights Division Expands Online Research Portal to Include Reports on Lost Wages Collected for Wisconsin Workers

DWD Marks Manufacturing Month, Promotes Careers

October celebrates one of state's top industries

Racine County Principal Charges He Was Fired For Being Gay

Legal complaint by Raymond School principal charges discrimination.

FlexRide Milwaukee Expands to Serve More Milwaukee Neighborhoods, Adds Access to Employers in New Berlin, Oak Creek

Milwaukee County Funding Enables Continued Growth for Innovative, Affordable, On-Demand Transportation Service

Wisconsin Wins Grant To Replace Troubled Unemployment System

Mainframe software system was burdened with backlogs in 2020, leaving thousands without answers or payment.

DWD Celebrates 50th Anniversary of Anti-Discrimination Law Protecting People with Disabilities with Launch of Virtual Accommodation Training Library

Modules leverage 21st century technology to support hiring and retention of workers with disabilities

U.S. Department of Labor Awards DWD More Than $11 Million

Eighteen states, including Wisconsin, receive funds to modernize unemployment insurance systems

Employers and Job Seekers Connect with Resources at Statewide Job Center Open House

Bipartisan Legislative Task Force Takes On Artificial Intelligence

Other task forces will address childhood obesity and human trafficking, Vos announces.

GOP Lawmakers Propose Eliminating Work Permits For Young Workers

Proposal would eliminate "red tape" in hiring 14- and 15-year-old workers.

July Local Employment and Unemployment Data Released

Historically low or tied July unemployment rates in 18 counties, 8 major cities and one metro area compared to July unemployment rates in previous years

Gov. Evers Signs Executive Order Creating Task Force on Workforce and Artificial Intelligence

State’s Tight Labor Market Continued in July

Wisconsin's labor force participation rate rose to 65.5%, versus 62.6% for the nation.

BLS Data: State Labor Force Participation Up, Jobs Increase

Both private and nonfarm jobs are at record highs

DWD Announces $227,520 in Advanced Manufacturing Technical Education Equipment Grants to Serve More Than 1,030 Students

Training will boost workforce readiness and fill the need for skilled manufacturing workers

Evers Signs School Bus Driver, Crime Laws, Vetoes Nine Bills

Vetoes restrictions on unemployment insurance and protections for fossil fuels.

DWD Awarded $806,379 to Expand Apprenticeship Opportunities

Funds will bolster the state's Registered Apprenticeship and Certified Pre-Apprenticeship programs

June Local Employment and Unemployment Data Released

Historically low or tied June unemployment rates in 29 counties, 15 major cities and one metro area compared to June unemployment rates in previous years

DWD Announces Almost $1.3 Million in Wisconsin Fast Forward Worker Training Grants

Grants support 12 employers and new or increased wages for 714 trainees

Wisconsin Has Record Number of Jobs

52,900 more than year prior. Unemployment near record low.

BLS Data: Wisconsin Breaks Record in Number of Jobs During June

Wisconsin Working to Connect Pharmacists with Potential Employees

State Youth Apprenticeship allows high school students to train on the job as Pharmacy Technicians

Developers Selected For Early Childhood Educator Homes

Aim is to boost childcare and minority homeowners. Plus: recap of week's real estate news.

New County Workforce Profiles Offer Updated Labor Market Snapshots

May Local Employment and Unemployment Data Released

Thirty-nine counties, 15 major cities and six metro areas report historically low May unemployment rates

BLS Data: Statewide Unemployment Rate Holds at Record-Low 2.4% in May

Master Lock Closing Milwaukee Manufacturing Plant

Union says 330 jobs being outsourced.

April Local Unemployment and Unemployment Data Released

Sixty counties report historically low April unemployment rates

State High Court Will Decide; Must Faith Groups Offer Unemployment Insurance?

Catholic Charities wants exemption from paying into state unemployment program.

DWD Announces Work Permits for Minors Now Online

Latest Modernization Effort Makes Permit Application Process Easier, More Accessible

BLS Data: Wisconsin Statewide Unemployment Rate Hits New Record Low of 2.4% in April, State Adds 3,800 Total Jobs Over Month

Rideshare program off to speedy start

Workforce Innovation Grant recipient celebrates 1,000th ride with WEDC, DWD, community and employer partners

Gov. Evers, DVA Announce Grants for Community-Based Organizations Supporting Veteran Mental Health

Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development Selected for Job Quality Academy

Academy focuses on creating good jobs for residents

Concordia University, School Choice Wisconsin Target Teacher Shortage

Partnership will create alternative, 18-month online bachelor's degree program.

DWD Celebrates Another Record-Breaking Year in Youth Apprenticeships

March Local Unemployment Data Breaks Records

Historically Low Unemployment Rates in 69 of State's 72 Counties Compared to March Data from Previous Years; Four Cities, Two Counties Also See All-time Lows

Wisconsin Unemployment Reaches Record Low

State also sets record for number of jobs.

UWM earns Fast Forward grant to offer more paid internship opportunities

New Bills Would Make It Easier to Lose “Welfare Benefits”

After statewide referendum, Legislature debating eight bills that would expedite removal of Medicaid and unemployment benefits.

UMOS Leads Effort to Target Labor Trafficking

Partners include state Department of Justice and Department of Workforce Development.

State’s Businesses Hesitant to Lay Off Workers

Some fears of recession, but unemployment low, manufacturing sector up.

February Local Employment and Unemployment Data Released

DWD Launches “Welcome to the Workforce” Initiative with Webinar, Speakers Series for Teens, Parents, and Employers

Webinar and Speaker Events Offer Guidance on Rights, Responsibilities and Employment Success

BLS Data: Wisconsin Statewide Unemployment Rate Hits New Record Low of 2.7% in February, State Adds 7,500 Jobs in February

State Job Layoffs a Sign of Economic Slowdown?

Rise in layoffs so far in 2023. But unemployment in Wisconsin still near historic low.

Analysis Details Evers’ Paid Leave Plan

$243 million state spending starts trust fund, payroll tax on employers and employees would sustain it.

DWD Announces Advanced Manufacturing Technical Education Equipment Grants to Serve More Than 2,200 Students

January Local Employment and Unemployment Data Released

BLS Data: Wisconsin Adds 4,100 Nonfarm Jobs in January, Statewide Unemployment Rate Falls to 2.9%

State Sees Rise in Child Labor Complaints

Part of a national trend. 'This is not a 19th century problem — this is a today problem.'

More Than $212,000 in Expanded Wisconsin Fast Forward Technical Education Equipment Grants Now Available to School Districts to Train Students

DWD Announces $3.8 Million in Wisconsin Fast Forward Worker Training Grants

Grants support 24 employers and new or increased wages for 1,415 trainees

Gov. Evers, DWD Celebrate Record-Breaking Apprenticeship Numbers

Registered apprenticeship program reaches highest participation in state history, governor continues support for apprenticeship in 2023-25 biennial budget proposal

DWD Announces Appointments of Jeremy Simon as Assistant Deputy Secretary, Arielle Exner as Legislative Liaison