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Tony Evers, Governor
Amy Pechacek, Secretary-designee
Department of Workforce Development
Secretary's Office
201 E. Washington Avenue
P.O. Box 7946
Madison, WI 53707-7946
Telephone: (608) 266-3131
Fax: (608) 266-1784
Email: sec@dwd.wisconsin.gov
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 21, 2023
CONTACT: DWD Communications
CommunicationsOffice@dwd.wisconsin.gov
By Amy Pechacek
DWD Secretary-designee
Wisconsin's motto is Forward, reflecting our state's drive to be a national leader. As we celebrate Earth Day, there's no better time to highlight Wisconsin's world-class workforce and the potential we have for further innovation and leadership through investments in green jobs and careers that advance the sustainability of our communities.
Wisconsin's water sector is just one example of an essential industry where public-private partnerships are flourishing, and green careers are growing. DWD was proud to visit Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District with Gov. Tony Evers and leaders from UW–Milwaukee recently to celebrate the award of $382,000 in Wisconsin Fast Forward funding to promote and coordinate paid internships in Wisconsin's green energy and clean water industries. The university will partner with businesses in these industries to enroll a total of 42 interns.
New energy technologies are also bringing new opportunities and Wisconsin has the potential to create 40,000 jobs in the next seven years under Gov. Evers' Clean Energy Plan. These are the jobs of the future that will help protect our planet and sustain the state's economy by developing sources of energy like solar, wind, and biofuels.
Gov. Evers' proposed 2023-25 biennial budget and its clean economy initiatives will prepare workers for these emerging opportunities. The budget proposes an investment of $10 million to support clean energy and job training, $2 million under the Wisconsin Fast Forward framework for training in green jobs, including conservation and environmental career pathways, and $2 million to create the Southeast Wisconsin Green Jobs Corps to encourage young adults facing barriers to employment to enter energy efficiency, conservation, and environmental sector jobs.
DWD has a longstanding commitment to workforce development initiatives that benefit our environment and our economy. To date, DWD has invested more than $400,000 in Fast Forward grants, while employer partners in our record-setting Registered Apprenticeship and Youth Apprenticeship programs are helping our workforce of tomorrow master skills in fields including conservation, energy, agriculture, clean water, and urban forestry, to name a few.
On this Earth Day, we can be proud of our workforce and our partners who are moving Wisconsin forward in pursuit of a greener future. At DWD, we are also proud to champion the investments and the opportunities that will continue this momentum, now and for the generations to come.
Wisconsin's Department of Workforce Development efficiently delivers effective and inclusive services to meet Wisconsin's diverse workforce needs now and for the future. The department advocates for and invests in the protection and economic advancement of all Wisconsin workers, employers, and job seekers through six divisions – Employment and Training, Vocational Rehabilitation, Unemployment Insurance, Equal Rights, Worker's Compensation, and Administrative Services. To keep up with DWD announcements and information, sign up for news releases and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube.
DWD Contact Information
201 E. Washington Ave
P.O. Box 7946
Madison, WI 53707
(608) 266-3131
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