Workforce Development Board of South Central Wisconsin

?? Success Story Spotlight ?? Through the Pathways Home program administered by North Central Wisconsin Workforce Development Board, Jacob Coby was connected to Career Coach Jeff Kennedy while incarcerated and maintained contact following his release in January 2025. Through Jeff's support in providing job leads, interviewing tips, gas vouchers for work, and consistent mentorship, Jacob officially secured employment as part of Goodwill's retail sales management team within just one month of his release!! We are so proud to support such a hard-working and determined individual. ?? With support from the Pathways Home program, we are able to bridge the gap between reentry and employment, and Jacob's smooth transition is just one example of many. ??To date, two-thirds of individuals meeting with Jeff are successfully connected to housing and/or employment or are in the interview stages of employment?? ?? Read Jacob's full story on our website! https://lnkd.in/gSK-TxRQ #PathwaysHome4 #WorkforceDevelopment #Partnerships #ReentrySuccess #SecondChances #WisconsinPathwaysHome Southwest Wisconsin Workforce Development Board #WWDA Wisconsin Workforce Development Association

Big things are happening! ?? Yesterday, we had an interview session with 25 individuals at the Carpenters Training Institute's training location in Madison for our new Construction Fundamentals Training, a collaborative initiative with United Way of Dane County!! ??? This hands-on training, led by industry experts, provides a direct pathway to employment in the commercial construction industry! By completing this program, participants will have the opportunity to begin their careers as commercial carpenters, with starting wages of $27+/hour and great benefits. Huge shoutout to our staff with the WorkSmart Network and Employment & Training Association Inc. and our GREAT partnership with United Way of Dane County for helping build a stronger Wisconsin workforce and preparing individuals for high-demand careers!?!! ?? ?? #BuildingFutures #ConstructionFundamentals #WorkforceDevelopment #TrainingProgram #Interviews #Construction #Careers

?Time is ticking—don’t miss the business event of the year! #TDCON is NEXT MONTH! This conference is your chance to gain powerful insights, sharpen your leadership skills, and walk away with game-changing strategies to elevate your workplace and empower your team. ? April 15-16, 2025 ?? Hilton City Center in Milwaukee, WI Lock in your tickets NOW and secure your workplace's future success! https://lnkd.in/gmfuvcNj #TDCON2025 #WorkforceDevelopment #BusinessConference #LeadershipDevelopment #HumanResources #WorkplaceStrategies #BreakoutSessions #WWDA Wisconsin Workforce Development Association

?? Want to make a difference in your community? ?? WDBSCW is hiring a Programs Coordinator and Business Services Specialist to connect individuals with workforce opportunities in breakthrough industries—helping businesses thrive, empowering job seekers, and strengthening our local economy. Our team works hard, plays hard, and is passionate about making a lasting impact. If you're looking for a meaningful career where you can grow and collaborate with a great team, we’d love to have you on board! ?? ?? For more information, visit: www.wdbscw.org/careers #NowHiring #WorkforceDevelopment #CommunityImpact #MeaningfulCareer #JobOpportunities #JoinOurTeam #WWDA Wisconsin Workforce Development Association

? LAST CHANCE for discounted #TDCON2025 tickets! ? Don't miss this opportunity to attend Wisconsin's premier business event with experts in the field offering effective workplace strategies, tools, insights and more! April 15-16, 2025 Hilton Milwaukee Center in Milwaukee, WI ??? Secure tickets now! https://lnkd.in/gXjHmuDJ ?? Use the promo code WIBIZSTAR for a discount - only available until 11:59pm tonight! #WorkforceDevelopment #BusinessConference #TDCON25 #WWDA Wisconsin Workforce Development Association

?? Success Story Spotlight ?? When Jim Castellano lost his job in 2022, he faced an uphill battle. At 60, re-entering the workforce felt daunting—but he wasn’t ready to give up. That’s when he connected with WorkSmart Career Planner Lynn, who helped him tailor his resume, navigate AI screenings, and land a high-paying role with Aspirus Health in Wausau, where he loved his position as Program Manager. “[Lynn] had a great ability to listen and understand a situation,” Jim reflects. “She just helped me see the forest through the trees.” With newfound financial stability, Jim was able to take the next step toward his true passion. As the founder of Compass Tree Consulting & Coaching, launching soon in 2025, he’s shaping the future of healthcare by mentoring students, residents, and nurses. Jim's story shows the ability to turn uncertainty into opportunity. Here's to new beginnings! We wish you all the best as you pursue your goals! ?? Read Jim's full story here: https://lnkd.in/gDvbdXir #WorkforceDevelopment #WIOA #DislocatedWorker #Coaching #SuccessStory #WorkSmart #RedefiningSuccess #Career #WWDA Wisconsin Workforce Development Association

?? Celebrating UW Health – Youth Apprenticeship Employer Champion! ?? We are proud to recognize UW Health, recipient of the Youth Apprenticeship Employer Champion Award at the Biennial Apprenticeship Conference in the Wisconsin Dells! ???? UW Health has supported over 100 youth in a number of career fields since 2016 and expanded Youth Apprenticeship to Registered Apprenticeship pathways, creating new workforce opportunities for youth. As a longtime partner of ours, most recently with the #ApprenticeshipBuildingAmerica2 grant for the development and expansion of both Youth and Registered Apprenticeships in healthcare, we were honored to nominate UW Health for this award! They have shown exemplary dedication to mentoring and developing young talent through their outstanding Youth Apprenticeship (YA) program. Accepting the award were Bridgett Willey, PhD, RDMS, RVT, RDCS, RT(R), FSDMS and Marshall Behringer, leaders of the UW Health YA team, and a special congratulations to Bridgett Willey, PhD, RDMS, RVT, RDCS, RT(R), FSDMS on her induction into the 2025 Hall of Fame for Wisconsin Apprenticeship! In her speech, she highlighted our partnership and collaboration in shaping healthcare apprenticeships. Additionally, we were excited to see Seth Lentz present the Registered Apprenticeship Sponsor Award to LDI Industries, Inc., celebrating their outstanding contributions to apprenticeship programs! ?? A huge thank you to UW Health and LDI Industries, Inc. for leading the way in workforce innovation! Please join us in celebrating UW Health's incredible contributions to youth development in South Central Wisconsin! ?? #WisconsinApprenticeshipAdvantage #WorkforceDevelopment #UWHealth #YouthApprenticeship #RegisteredApprenticeship #FutureOfHealthcare #ApprenticeshipChampion #HealthcareHeroes #HallOfFame #WWDA Wisconsin Workforce Development Association Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development

Exciting News! ?? Our team is on the ground, actively advocating for the future of apprenticeships at the Biennial Apprenticeship Conference in Wisconsin Dells! ???? Today, we had the opportunity to showcase the power of collaboration in our Workforce Development Area (WDA)—demonstrating how strong partnerships drive innovation, expansion, and real career pathways in healthcare. By spreading the word and championing the link between Youth Apprenticeship and Registered Apprenticeship, we’re helping shape the next generation of healthcare workers! We’re especially excited to celebrate UW Health as an exemplary Youth Apprenticeship Employer—a true leader in fostering career opportunities for young professionals. Stay tuned for more on their well-deserved recognition! ?? #YouthApprenticeship #WorkforceDevelopment #UWHealth #FutureReady #WisconsinApprenticeshipAdvantage #WWDA Wisconsin Workforce Development Association Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development

?? Success Story Spotlight! ?? After facing challenges in his life and taking care of 7 children, Rashad Anderson knew he needed to make a change, not just for himself, but for his family. Inspired by his wife—a former WorkSmart participant who found success through the program—Rashad connected with WorkSmart Network Career Planner, Greta. Her guidance helped him pursue an education at Madison Area Technical College and land a life-changing opportunity with Exact Sciences as a Technical Support Engineer, earning over $100K! ?? ?? “Greta has been such a godsend, just always smiling and straight-forward and ready to help in any way she can,” Rashad shared. “Because of WorkSmart, I’ve been able to get a job where I can provide for my family and even save enough to pay off some family debt.” His story is proof that with the right support and determination, new beginnings are possible- this is why we do what we do!! ?? Read Rashad's full story here: https://lnkd.in/g8rAtdPK ?? This is just the beginning—stay tuned for a full video success story coming soon!? #WorkforceDevelopment #WorkSmartNetwork #WIOA #CareerGrowth #ExactSciences #BreakingBarriers #WWDA Wisconsin Workforce Development Association

Thank you, Madison Area Technical College, for sharing and featuring us in this impactful story! ?? We’re SO proud to work with the Wisconsin Department of Corrections & Madison Area Technical College to connect incarcerated individuals with education that sets them up for career success upon release or via work release. Having provided over 100 graduates with the skills and credentials needed to overcome employment barriers and build a better future upon re-entry into the workforce, this program is life-changing! ???? To read the full article: https://lnkd.in/gEEN7MWt #SecondChance #WorkforceDevelopment #ChangingLives #ElectroMechanical #DepartmentOfCorrections #MadisonCollege #OvercomingBarriers #WWDA Wisconsin Workforce Development Association