Employ Milwaukee Secures Nearly $5 Million to Address Infrastructure Workforce Needs

Employ Milwaukee is thrilled to announce the recent award of a $4.9 million Department of Labor Building Pathways to Infrastructure grant. This significant funding will allow Employ Milwaukee to launch the Skills to Build program, a transformative initiative aimed at preparing nearly 500 historically underserved individuals for high-demand infrastructure occupations across Southeastern Wisconsin over the next five years.

“Employ Milwaukee is excited to embark on this important endeavor with the support of the Department of Labor,” said Chytania Brown, President & CEO of Employ Milwaukee. “The Skills to Build program represents a vital step towards building a strong and equitable infrastructure workforce in Southeastern Wisconsin. By leveraging evidence-based strategies, addressing local industry needs, and amplifying worker voices, we will create pathways to success for diverse job seekers while meeting the high demand for skilled workers in sectors such as renewable energy, transportation, and broadband infrastructure.”

Under the Skills to Build program, Employ Milwaukee will offer comprehensive employment and training services benefiting job seekers and employers. Job seeker participants will be offered on-the-job training, Registered Apprenticeship opportunities, internships, occupational skills training, and supportive services to ensure individuals can successfully complete education and training across the in-demand industries of advanced manufacturing, information technology (IT), and professional, scientific, and technical services. Employers will benefit from a pipeline of well-trained and motivated candidates who have been equipped with the skills needed to excel in their in-demand roles. By collaborating with Employ Milwaukee, employers can access a diverse pool of talent, reduce recruitment costs, and address their workforce needs effectively.

Employ Milwaukee will collaborate with a wide range of partners, including Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC), MKE Tech, Brew City Help Desk International, Waukesha-Ozaukee-Washington Workforce Development Board, Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development, and numerous employers, worker organizations, and training providers. Employ Milwaukee will collaborate with a wide range of partners, including Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC), MKE Tech Hub, Brew City Help Desk International, Waukesha-Ozaukee-Washington Workforce Development Board, and numerous employers, worker organizations, and training providers. Together, these partners will work to scale existing sector training programs, provide comprehensive support services, and ensure that participants are equipped with the skills and resources needed to excel in their chosen careers.

“We are proud to join forces with our partners to address the workforce challenges facing our region,” added Brown. “By fostering collaboration and innovation, we can build a more resilient and inclusive economy that benefits all residents of Southeastern Wisconsin.”

For more information on Skills to Build, contact Cindy Anderson at cindy.anderson@employmilwaukee.org.

Employ Milwaukee is the local workforce development board serving Milwaukee County with a mission to build a strong workforce development system by planning, coordinating, collaborating and monitoring workforce initiatives with businesses, partners and community stakeholders to ensure a skilled and productive workforce for the 21st Century.

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.