Gov. Scott Walker announced $1.2 million in additional federal employment and training assistance to help approximately 1,600 dislocated workers across the state learn new job skills.
“Wisconsin employers, manufacturers in particular, have jobs to fill, but say they can’t find workers with the right skills,” Walker said. “The federal funding will help meet their needs by providing additional employment and training assistance to dislocated workers, so that they can gain new skills and pursue the good jobs that are now available, as well as those we are working to help employers create.”
The $1.2 million in federal funding from President Barack Obama’s 2009 economic stimulus program is being allocated by Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD) Secretary Reggie Newson to six Workforce Development Areas (WDAs). The six DWD partners will expand services to workers laid off at 48 companies. Approximately $1.8 million has been awarded to nine partners since July 1, 2012.
The Milwaukee WDA will receive $920,000 to assist workers from American United Taxi Services, Wyndham Milwaukee Airport, T-Shirt International, Maximus, CSM Bakery, Patrick Cudahy, Dana Sealing Products, Rock-Tenn, Frontier/Republic Airlines, Talgo and Walgreens Home Care.
The Talgo workers lost their jobs because the state reneged on a contract to purchase train sets that were manufactured in Milwaukee and are now sitting idle in Talgo’s Milwaukee plant.
The Southeastern Wisconsin WDA will receive $175,000 to assist workers from the Kenosha Unified School District and General Converters & Assemblers, Trostel and John Sterling Corp.
The Waukesha, Ozaukee and Washington County WDA will receive $93,400 for workers from APS Healthcare, BMO Harris, InnoWear Paper, Silgan Containers, Ace Distribution and Sells Printing.
Dislocated workers should contact their local Job Centers for assistance that can include testing, career counseling, retraining and job placement. For job center locations, they call toll-free, 1-888-258-9966 or visit www.wisconsinjobcenter.org/directory.
