Workers are at the heart of every organization. Apprenticeship and training programs help strengthen the workforce and increase participation in skilled labor jobs. In 2023, both Iowa and Wisconsin implemented beneficial employment programs, representing a huge win for job seekers, employers and the overall workforce. Let’s look at some of these achievements.
Iowa residents started utilizing IowaWorks, an employment and management system; 43,400 residents signed up for certification and technical instruction programs. An increase in veteran and apprenticeship services allowed for 957 active programs this past year, with 2,100 employers and 10,000 participants. The Jobs for Veterans grant helped 154 veterans gain employment for at least 27 weeks over the course of the year. Additionally, the average duration of an unemployment claim fell to just 10 weeks, the shortest in 50 years.
In Wisconsin, following Gov. Evers’ $158 million Workforce Solutions Initiative to support workforce training and services, apprenticeship programs enrolled an all-time high of 16,384 registered apprentices and 8,357 youth apprentices. There was a huge increase in inclusivity with 178,337 people with disabilities finding employment, and an 8.4% decline of compensation insurance rates for workers.
Wisconsin’s Unemployment Insurance system also introduced a virtual work permit system and case portal to help modernize workforce systems. Overall, there was a historic record-low unemployment rate of 2.4% in the state of Wisconsin.
The Department of Workforce Development’s Secretary Amy Pechacek announced, “DWD’s 2023 Annual Report highlights what was truly a record-breaking year with important progress for Wisconsin’s workers, employers and job seekers. The Department of Workforce Development’s Secretary Amy Pechacek announced, “DWD’s 2023 Annual Report highlights what was truly a record-breaking year with important progress for Wisconsin’s workers, employers and job seekers. These achievements are a testament to the commitment of our agency’s staff and many workforce partners to carry out Gov. Evers’ vision to support and advance Wisconsin’s labor market economy.”