Baldwin Announces $1.5 Million to Expand Apprenticeships in Milwaukee

MILWAUKEE – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Chair of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies, announced that Employ Milwaukee will receive $1.5 million to help expand access to apprenticeships for young workers and support the Cream City YouthBuild (CCYB) program. The CCYB program provides occupational skills training, paid hands-on work experience, leadership development, and community service learning for underserved youth in the city of Milwaukee. The funding comes through the U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL) YouthBuild Program which is funded by the Baldwin-backed annual government funding bill.

“At a time when hard work isn’t paying off for too many people, apprenticeship programs are a time-tested way for people to head down the path to a good-paying career,” said Senator Baldwin. “I am proud to bring home this funding to prepare young workers with the skills they need to get that good-paying job and allow them to live a comfortable, secure life.”

“Employ Milwaukee is thrilled to receive funding from the U.S. Department of Labor to support our flagship Cream City YouthBuild program,” said Julie Cayo, Employ Milwaukee Interim CEO. “Funding will allow us to serve Opportunity Youth ages 16-24 in our community, who have been unsuccessful in traditional educational settings, by helping them to earn their high school diploma while receiving occupational skills training and industry-recognized credentials. This work-based learning program is delivered by our valued community partners Milwaukee Christian Center, Literacy Services of Wisconsin, and United Neighborhood Centers of Milwaukee (UNCOM).”

The funding will help Employ Milwaukee’s CCYB program:

• Provide occupational and worksite training services, site development, hands-on work experience, and job placements.
• Provide 1-2 sites of low-income housing for building and/or rehabilitation.
• Provide leadership development and community service opportunities.
• Provide instruction in both construction and healthcare.
• Provide occupational and worksite training services, work experience, and job placements in healthcare including Community Based Residential Facility and Certified Nursing Assistant certifications.

YouthBuild Program grants provide academic support, occupational skills training and employment services to young people, ages 16 to 24, in communities where they face persistent barriers to academic and career skills development. The supportive services may include transportation assistance, childcare, healthcare referrals and the provision of work attire and personal protective equipment.

An online version of this release is available here.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.