2. News Room

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Worker Advancement Initiative Helps Milwaukee Worker Launch Successful Banking Career

A lifeline

For Cori Ellis, around this time three years ago, things were finally starting to look up.

They had recently been accepted into Employ Milwaukee’s Bankwork$ program and was on their way to receiving specialized job training to help them land a well-paying job and support themself.

And in addition to the vital job supports Bankwork$ provided Ellis, the program also served as a lifeline for them during a time of need.

"At the time I had a lot of issues with my housing situation, and at one point it rained in my apartment, destroying almost all of my clothing," Ellis says.

BankWork$, supported by funding through the Workforce Solutions Initiative’s Worker Advancement Initiative, provided Ellis with a voucher to a Goodwill Store that helped them build their wardrobe back up—something especially important for the interviews they’d have after completing the 8-week the program.

One of those interviews was with BMO Bank.

And it was the one Ellis landed.

Two-and-a-half years later, they continue to work there as a full-time Associate Banker and say it’s been the best job they’ve ever had.

"I love it there," Ellis says. "It’s a wonderful company, and they’ve been very helpful [with training]."

Ellis also gives credit to their supportive colleagues and BMO’s buddy system for their success. And although Ellis no longer has their buddy, they’re still part of the program—this time as a buddy themself. For several weeks, Ellis provided intensive training to their buddy on things like branch rules and regulations and customer training.

As a full-time associate banker, Ellis works in a traditional teller role which includes handling deposits, withdrawals, and payments, all while providing excellent customer service and being an exemplary employee. They’ve excelled so much that their performance earned "top performer" recognition from BMO that included an all-expenses paid trip to Montreal this year. During the trip, Ellis explored the city and visited the first-ever BMO branch location. But it was the awards ceremony that was especially meaningful for Ellis, who recalled that walking across the stage in front of attendees and taking a photo with banking executives felt like an "Oscars moment."

Giving credit where it’s due

The training that Ellis received from Bankwork$ has played an important role in their workplace success.

The program, known as an "occupational skill development program" provides career pathways in the financial services industry that can lead to financial stability and a successful career. Created to open doors for young adults in underserved communities, BankWork$ helps eliminate barriers to employment—such as lack of housing or transportation, or by providing access to important tools like computers—so that individuals can find and succeed in well-paying jobs that can lead to long lasting and meaningful careers.

BankWork$ was supported with funding from the Worker Advancement Initiative, which awarded Employ Milwaukee funding to provide flexible workforce resources, training programs, and support services to help workers overcome barriers to employment. The Worker Advancement Initiative is one of the three programs that make up the Workforce Solutions Initiative, a $168 million investment by Governor Tony Evers to support innovative pandemic recovery efforts. The Worker Advancement Initiative was designed to help those who were disproportionately impacted by the pandemic.

Adriene Wright, the BankWork$ Instructor at Employ Milwaukee, says the program came to Milwaukee nearly 20 years ago.

"[BankWork$] provides training for people who are interested in entry-level positions in the banking industry," she says. "We [cover] everything from the fundamentals of customer service and professionalism to banking products and services. We also get into role playing exercises and help with resumes, cover letters, and interviewing skills."

According to Wright, the majority of students are hired after completing the program. In fact, the latest cohort had a 100% placement rate.

"The program has been so successful that we’ve been able to expand it with pilot programs in [other parts of the state]," she says. "It’s growing in popularity and our banking partners are seeing the benefits of hiring people within the community, and we know that we’re doing our job to build a strong workforce—it’s a win-win for everyone."

Ellis credits the program for setting them up for success and providing a solid foundation of banking knowledge. From sales and banking drawer exercises to mock interviews where they completed several practice rounds to get a feel for interviewing with different institutions, Ellis has gained a solid understanding of (and appreciation for) banking rules and regulations.

And it wasn’t just hard skills they gained. Ellis says the training helped them to snuff out some of their insecurities and flourish socially.

Wright agrees. "Cori was a little shy, but came out of their shell more in the classroom [over time]," she says. "They worked very hard in class and did well with attendance, classroom participation, homework completion, and passing the quizzes and exams."

Ellis also appreciated the life-improvement and financial wellness opportunities BankWork$ provided. They participated in a special session on credit where their credit score was pulled and they received a breakdown of how they could improve their score. Ellis says that before the exercise, they weren’t sure how credit worked, which could potentially hold them back.

Looking ahead

When reflecting on their experience in the BankWork$ program and the success they’ve experienced, Ellis says they feel immense pride, but that they won’t rest on their laurels. "I want to see if I can perform just as well this year," they say. "I’d love the opportunity to be recognized like that again."

And like a true leader, Ellis says that they hope to see others experience the same success they have and want to one day be able to hire talented people who deserve a chance. "I hope that I’m able to give other people the same opportunities I was given, or at least help them in some way."

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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.