Amy Pechacek

2024 Roundup- Gov. Evers Completes Annual 72-County Tour of Wisconsin

Gov. Evers, DWD Announce Third Consecutive Year of Record-High Number of Registered Apprentices

A record 17,089 apprentices to participate in state program to ‘earn while they learn,’ third consecutive year of record-high number of registered apprentices

Gov. Evers, DWD Announce Sixth Consecutive Month of Record-High Employment

DWD Opens Unemployment Insurance Law Public Comment Period

Public invited to attend Nov. 21 public hearing or submit written comments Nov. 14 through Nov. 22

Gov. Evers, DWD Announce $1 Million in Teacher Training and Recruitment Grants

DWD Announces Winners of 2024 Vets Ready Employer Awards

Twenty-two employers honored for exemplary commitment to hire and support veterans

Candidates Ignore State’s Looming ‘Senior Tsunami’

Over-75 population expected to explode, creating huge shortage of health care workers.

New Commercial Driver Training Grants for Training Providers Now Available

Grants fund training costs for state residents to obtain a Commercial Driver License

Winning with Wisconsin’s Workforce Events Highlight Strategies to Gain and Retain a Skilled Workforce

Wisconsin Reaches New Record High Employment of Individuals with Disabilities

Highlighted in U.S. Department of Education Visit

Gov. Evers, DWD Announce Nine Counties in Wisconsin Achieve Record-Low Unemployment

Ashland, Bayfield, Burnett, Door, Langlade, Oconto, Pepin, Rock, and Sawyer counties achieved record-low unemployment rates in September 2024

Draft guidance published for non-union apprenticeship wage rates

Wisconsin Economic Summit kicks off Tuesday

Speakers will explore artificial intelligence and innovation during two-day event in La Crosse.

DWD Expands Unemployment Insurance Dashboards with Data on Claims by Industry

DWD Publishes 2024 Wisconsin Agricultural Education and Workforce Development Council Annual Report

Grants Available to Help Wisconsin Employers Train Skilled Workers

Wisconsin Fast Forward grants fund innovative and collaborative worker training projects

Gov. Evers, DWD Announce Youth Apprenticeship to Add Four Occupational Pathways This Fall

Expansion offers additional opportunities to state youth for on-the-job training in law enforcement, fire protection, project management, and barbering/cosmetology

Governor’s Council on Workforce Investment Launches Data Dashboard

DWD Announces Advancements in Unemployment Insurance Modernization in Collaboration with Google Public Sector

Gov. Evers Announces Task Force on the Healthcare Workforce Releases Full Report

Report details recommendations to address challenges facing the state’s healthcare workforce

U.S. Labor Secretary Touts Job Growth, Tours Mine in Milwaukee Visit

In joint press conference with Mayor, Su praised Biden-Harris administration's efforts to train and employ skilled tradespeople.

Winning with Wisconsin’s Workforce Event Series to Highlight Artificial Intelligence

DWD Releases 2022 – 2040 Registered Nurse Supply and Demand Forecast Results

Report reveals nursing workforce shortage

Insurance Premiums for Worker’s Compensation Continue to Decline

Insurance Rates Covering On-the-Job Injuries Drop for Ninth Year in a Row

Gov. Evers Announces Governor’s Task Force on Workforce and Artificial Intelligence Releases Final Action Plan

AI action plan prioritizes strategies to build state’s competitive edge

DWD Awards Eight School Districts Equipment Grants

More than $206,000 in regional funding to benefit 2,000 students in Southeast Wisconsin

Gov. Evers, DWD Announce Wisconsin Ranks No. 1 Nationally for Growth in Hourly Earnings

Preliminary data show Wisconsin hits second consecutive monthly record for employment

Gov. Evers, DWD Announce Record-High Employment in June

Gov. Evers, DWD Announce More Than $408,000 in Technical Education Equipment Grants to Serve About 4,600 Students

Students at 17 school districts across the state will benefit from new advanced manufacturing training for high-demand jobs

DWD Awarded for Innovative Visual Catalog of Data Dashboards

WisConomy tools provide easy access to information for users

BLS Data: Wisconsin Achieves Record High Employment

DWD Releases New Report Highlighting Advances in Efforts to Combat UI Fraud

DWD, Wisconsin’s Regional Workforce Development Boards Launch the 2024 Winning with Wisconsin’s Workforce Event Series

Baldwin Blasts CNH Industrial for Laying Off Over 200 Workers in Racine while Company Makes Record Profits, Pays CEO $18 Million

Custom Apparel Business Owner Sued for Unpaid Wages Owed to Former Employees

April 9, 2024

New Job Growth Estimates: A Positive Outlook for Wisconsin’s Workforce and Economy

Gov. Evers, DWD Announce More Than $495,000 in Technical Education Equipment Grants

Students at 17 Wisconsin school districts across the state will benefit from new advanced manufacturing training for high-demand jobs

DWD Releases New Unemployment Insurance Claims by County Dashboard

DWD Announces Almost $4 Million in Wisconsin Fast Forward Worker Training Grants

Grants support 22 employers and new or increased wages for 2,133 trainees

Schools Encouraged to Apply for $504,894 in Wisconsin Fast Forward Technical Education Equipment Training Grants

BLS Data: Wisconsin Sets New Records in Total State Jobs, Employment

State Officials Hear From Industry, Labor on Embracing AI

Goal to make changes without leaving workers behind, they tell governor's task force.

Gov. Evers, DWD Celebrate Success of New Youth Apprenticeship Child Care, Education Pathways

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

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

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

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

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

State Labor Secretary Touts Wins in 2023

Record year for apprenticeships and much improved unemployment insurance system.

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

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

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

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’

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

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

WEDC event celebrates innovative workforce solutions

DWD Launches Campaign to Combat Worker Misclassification

Incorrect worker designation creates unlevel playing field for employers, affects worker benefits

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

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

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

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

DWD Awarded $806,379 to Expand Apprenticeship Opportunities

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

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

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

April Local Unemployment and Unemployment Data Released

Sixty counties report historically low April unemployment rates

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

Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development Selected for Job Quality Academy

Academy focuses on creating good jobs for residents

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

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.

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

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

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

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

New Program Helps Wisconsin Residents Navigate Unemployment System

Partnership between UMOS and Department of Workforce Development helps people access complicated system.

Gov. Evers, DWD Launch “Winning with Wisconsin’s Workforce” Initiative

Following governor’s State of the State address, Evers Administration continues workforce development push with series of regional forums to highlight workforce resources, opportunities, and local success stories.

After 4 Years, 180 Appointees by Gov. Evers Haven’t Been Confirmed

Republican Senate leaves them in limbo. 'Tell me what I need to do,' Ever says.

2022 Roundup: Gov. Evers Completes 2022 72-County Tour of Wisconsin

Worker’s Compensation Advisory Council Holds Public Hearing

Written Comments Accepted Through Jan. 16, 2023

Worker’s Compensation Advisory Council Hosting Public Hearing Dec. 15

BLS Data: Wisconsin Adds 58,800 Nonfarm, 54,600 Private Sector Jobs Over the Year

Hope House of Milwaukee Receives Exemplary Award for Diverse and Inclusive Hiring Practices

Public Comment Period Open on Suggestions for UI Changes

Attend Public hearing Nov. 17, 2022, or submit written comments Nov. 9-18, 2022

Gov. Evers, DWD Announce $15 Million Grant to Boost Access to Childcare, Early Childhood Education for Working Families

State’s Unemployment Rate Rises Slightly

From 3.1% to 3.2%, still near a historic low, as state added 14,400 more private sector jobs last month.

Wisconsin Job Gains Continue with Growth in Leisure and Hospitality, Manufacturing, and Construction

State has Added Jobs in Eight of Nine Months for 2022

Gov. Evers, DWD Announce Wisconsin Reaches Milestone for Registered Apprentices

Registered apprenticeship program reaches highest participation since 2001

BLS Data: Wisconsin Job Gains Continue; August Unemployment Rate at 3.1%

Gov. Evers’ Workforce Innovation Program Helping Bolster Wisconsin’s Education Workforce

GROW school districts using governor’s investment to recruit teachers in high-need areas

Transforming Wisconsin’s workforce

Historic investment in state’s workforce begins to pay off

DWD Offers Online Resource for Public Access to Equal Rights Data

Gov. Evers, DWD Announce Advanced Manufacturing Technical Education Equipment Grants to Serve More Than 1,400 Students

Gov. Evers, DWD Announce Youth Apprenticeship Offerings, 14 New Occupational Pathways for Students

Wisconsin DWD Participating in NASWA’s Integrity Data Hub to Detect and Prevent Fraud

BLS Data: Wisconsin Unemployment Rate Remains at 2.9 Percent; 45,100 Total Nonfarm Jobs Added Over the Year

Wisconsin Insurance Premiums for Worker’s Compensation Decline

Insurance Rates Covering On-the-Job Injuries Drop for Seventh Year in a Row

DWD Continues Customer Service Enhancements

Project follows many other accomplishments designed to increase accessibility and use of plain language

Gov. Evers Announces $19.5 Million to Support Long-Term Solutions to State’s Workforce Challenges in 22 Counties through Workforce Innovation Grant Program

Announcement builds on governor’s initial nearly $60 million Workforce Innovation Grant investment, projects announced prioritize forestry, manufacturing workforce development, and workforce housing

DWD Receives $3 Million Unemployment Insurance Navigator Grant

DWD to partner with United Migrant Opportunity Services on statewide initiative

BLS Data: Wisconsin Sets Record for Total Number of People Employed

DWD, Milwaukee County Zoo Celebrate Graduation of 12 Local Project SEARCH Interns

Project SEARCH program prepares young adults with disabilities for rewarding careers

Gov. Evers Announces More Than $1 Million for Summer Youth Programming and Job Training in Milwaukee

Federal funds to support collaborative effort with Employ Milwaukee, city of Milwaukee, Milwaukee Public Library, and Milwaukee Public Schools aimed at engaging youth and enhancing safety

DWD Releases 2022 Nurses Survey; Projects Increased Demand Through 2040

Latest in yearly reports since 2010 uses three models to project results

DWD Announces $700,000 in Wisconsin Fast Forward Worker Training Grants

Latest WFF awards benefit seven employers and estimated 383 current employees and job seekers

BLS Data: Wisconsin’s Unemployment Rate in April Ties Record Low 2.8%

DWD’s Unemployment Insurance Division Releases New Data Dashboard

State Cites Progress Fixing Unemployment System

Department of Workforce Development now paying 84% of claims within three days.

Wisconsin Joins National Effort to Grow and Retain Health Care Workforce

Multiple states collaborate to address worker shortages

Gov. Evers, Evers Administration Cabinet Take ‘Cabinet on the Road’ to Western Wisconsin

Gov. Tony Evers, together with members of his cabinet, hosted ‘Cabinet on the Road’ events in Osseo, Altoona, Menomonie, and Eau Claire.

DWD Announces $1 million Available for Tech Ed Equipment Grants

Grants Help Pay for High School Lab Equipment; Application Deadline May 10

Room to grow

Wisconsin’s Workforce Innovation Grant to allow YMCA to expand child care and youth programming in Green County

Gov. Evers Announces $1 Million in Funding for Teacher Training and Recruitment

High school diploma opens opportunities

Wisconsin’s Workforce Innovation Grant project aims to help residents earn a high school degree

Applications open February 22 for second round of Workforce Innovation Grants

Up to $40.5 million in grants available to promote local and regional solutions to workforce challenges

Workforce Innovation Grant helps youth discover career path

Collaboration between schools, employers and Boys & Girls Clubs aims to positively engage teens in the workforce

Creating a workforce to build healthier communities

With help from Wisconsin’s Workforce Innovation Grant, UW-Eau Claire, Mayo Clinic, and others hope to train new generation of health care workers, teachers

Child care workers keep economy moving

Wisconsin’s Workforce Innovation Grant to help Madison Area Technical College train workers and assess child care needs

Homegrown entrepreneurs

Wisconsin’s Workforce Innovation Grant will help Kenosha create the next generation of diverse business owners

Building careers while incarcerated

Wisconsin’s Workforce Innovation Grant will bring new educational opportunities, workforce support to incarcerated individuals

Credits toward careers

Wisconsin’s Workforce Innovation Grant will allow Sauk Prairie schools to train students for careers, help workers upskill and keep key industries moving forward

DWD Upgrade Enables Online Filing for Civil Rights Complaints

Gov. Evers: Wisconsin’s Unemployment Rate Ties All-Time Record Low

Wisconsin's unemployment rate lowest it's been since November 2018 at 3 percent

Evers Awards $60 Million to Target Worker Shortage

Grants for job training, expanding health care workforce and skills training for prisoners.

Gov. Evers Announces Nearly $60 Million in Projects Aimed at Developing Long-Term Solutions to State’s Workforce Challenges

12 regional projects through Workforce Innovation Grants will help bolster Wisconsin workforce in counties across the state

Gov. Evers, DWD Announce $20 Million in Workforce Advancement Initiative Grants to 11 Regions in Wisconsin

Grants will help reduce barriers to employment for more than 2,300 Wisconsinites to get back to work

Can State Fix Problems Underlying the Labor Shortage?

Evers administration putting $130 million into addressing issues contributing to labor shortage.

WEDC Issuing Grants To Address State’s Labor Challenges

State development corporation providing grants up to $10 million for workforce development projects.

Suit Seeks To End Ban on Jobless Pay for Disabled

Class-action claim charges 2013 state law violates U.S. Constitution.

6 Ways to Measure State of Workers

The data shows some surprising improvements in Wisconsin employment picture.

State Businesses Offering Worker Incentives

Uline offers new workers year-end bonus of $8,000. Others offer increased pay, flexible work conditions.

AG Kaul Announces Over $650,000 Settlement with SEMCO, Inc.

August 19, 2021

WEDC grant helps Urban League aid startups

Black Business Hub Accelerator Fund will support diverse entrepreneurs

ICYMI: Gov. Evers Investing $130 Million To Help Wisconsin Workers Bounce Back From Pandemic

AG Kaul Takes Action on Open Housing Cases

Wisconsin Agricultural Education and Workforce Development Council Announces Membership, Sets Ambitious Goals

DWD Seeks Input on Draft Request for Proposals

Draft will be used to contract for Unemployment Insurance System Modernization Project

Legislators Reinstate Work Search Rule

On party line vote Republicans add work search requirement for those getting unemployment benefits.

DWD Announces First Recipients of New Workforce Equity Grants

Grants are funded through a donation from the IKEA U.S. Community Foundation

Eligibility Expanded for Federal Unemployment Assistance

Biden administration releases new guidelines making previously denied applicants eligible for up to 79 weeks of unemployment.

Legislators Resist Plans to Help Workers

GOP sniping at Evers plans for workforce training, minimum wage hike, funding to fix UI system.

DWD releases 2021 Unemployment Insurance Fraud Report

State Unemployment Nearing Pre-Pandemic Levels

The state's unemployment rate in January was 3.8%.

BLS Data: Wisconsin Adds 11,100 Total Non-Farm Jobs in January; Unemployment Rate Declined to 3.8 Percent

Work-Share Program Surges During Pandemic

Struggling businesses can keep employees on part time and lost wages recouped through state unemployment system.

New Hurdle for Those Seeking Unemployment Aid

Federal bill signed in December has unexpected requirements, state DWD official says.

Legislators Advance Unemployment Fix, COVID-19 Deal

But Republicans won’t pay for new computer system Evers says is needed.

AG Kaul, DWD Announce Lawsuit Against SEMCO, Inc. for Unpaid Wages, Benefits Totaling $682,864.90

February 8, 2021

Evers Names 30 Equity Council Members

Governor’s Advisory Council on Equity and Inclusion appointees include leaders from nonprofits, tribes, churches, community groups.

State Call Center Confuses Unemployed

Jobless people say DWD call center gives incorrect, contradictory information.

DWD Wants A Modernized Unemployment System

Secretary was in "complete shock" the first time she saw the antiquated systems.

State Starts $300 Unemployment Supplements

Unemployment insurance recipients are eligible for an additional $300 a week.

State Unemployment System ‘Very Broken’

Citizens decry delays. DWD officials say outdated computer system causes massive problems.

DWD Secretary-designee Signs Work-Share Program Waiver

State Clears Unemployment Claims Backlog

Evers promotes Amy Pechacek to secretary designee of Department of Workforce Development.

Gov. Evers Appoints Amy Pechacek as Secretary-designee of the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development

DWD Clears Wisconsin Unemployment Claims Backlog

Remaining claims within timely adjudication resolution period, UI claims older than 21 days resolved or assigned

DWD Seeks Public Input on Initial and Weekly UI Applications

Unemployment System Audited After Pandemic Failures

Massive delays in claims, duplicate payments and an unreliable call center among issues found in report.

DWD Releases Information on Unemployment Data

Extended Unemployment Payments Begin This Week

Extended Benefits payments going to those that exhausted all other forms of unemployment assistance.

State Official Promises End to Unemployment Insurance Backlog

Department of Workforce Development’s new director hopes to end backlog by late December.

Will Unemployment Backlog Be Cleared By End Of Year?

70,000 people in Wisconsin are still waiting for their unemployment to come through.

Thousands Still Await Jobless Aid

Some 93,000 applications for pandemic aid have yet to be processed or adjudicated by state.

Milwaukee Unemployment Higher than National Average

County slightly higher, but city well above national average.

Evers Fires Workforce Development Secretary

Sec. Caleb Frostman asked to resign over unemployment system delays.

Gov. Evers Asks for Resignation of Workforce Development Secretary

Resignation effective immediately, DOC Deputy Secretary Pechacek to lead transition

County, Insurer Fight Over $6.7 Million Claim

$6.7 million awarded to sexually assaulted county jail inmate, will insurance cover it?