What's next? Opportunities don't just happen, you create them.

You're a hard-working employee but you lost your job because of the COVID-19 public health emergency, and you haven't been hired back. What are your options?

Whether you're looking for another job in your current field or interested in training for a new career, the Department of Workforce Development (DWD) and our workforce partners are here to help.

FOR JOB OPPORTUNITIES

JobCenterofWisconsin.com (JCW) is a free online portal that connects job seekers with employment opportunities throughout Wisconsin. Register with JCW to search job openings by title, employer, keyword, location, apprenticeship opportunity, and more. Use the resume builder to create a resume that highlights your skills. Rather than scrolling through endless job titles, you can also use Skill Explorer to search for job openings across different industries that are looking for your skills or experience.

Registering on JCW is a requirement to receive unemployment benefits. While the requirement to search for work was initially waived because of the public health emergency, it will soon resume. This means that people receiving unemployment benefits will be required to perform four work search actions each week and then document those while filing weekly claims online. Watch this video to learn more about the required work search actions.

On JCW, you'll also find Workforce Events, such as virtual job fairs that connect you with hiring employers and a suite of tools, including a list of the Top 10 "Hot Jobs" by area and job opening projections. My JCW can also help you build a household budget, calculate self-sufficiency, and explore career options to ensure that the wages from your next job will provide enough to pay your bills and offer professional and financial growth opportunities so you can invest in your future.

Need help registering with Job Center of Wisconsin? Please contact Job Center of Wisconsin at (888) 258-9966 or send an email with any questions.

Job Centers Need help with resume writing, job applications, interview tips, or JobCenterofWisconsin.com registration? Contact your local job center to access services virtually or by phone. You can also make an appointment for in-person support. They also offer workshops and career exploration tools. For the most up-to-date information, including hours and contact information, visit the Directory of Workforce Services.

Dislocated Worker Program If you have recently lost your job, you may be eligible for a variety of additional support services, including job search, resume, and interviewing assistance, career exploration and planning, general information on Unemployment Insurance, financial assistance to cover the costs of classroom or on-the-job training, and more through the Dislocated Worker Program. The program is designed to help eligible individuals connect with economically self-sufficient employment as quickly as possible. Program staff help their customers develop an individual employment plan, which includes identifying employment goals and providing career, training, and supportive services to help them attain those goals.

FOR TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES

JobCenterofWisconsin.com (JCW): Beyond helping you find a job, Job Center of Wisconsin can also connect you to information about training programs, including some targeted services if you have experienced incarceration, have a disability, or are a veteran. The veteran community may also access specialized resources by going to http://wisconsinjobcenter.org/veterans/veterans.htm.

Virtual Training Workshops DWD offers workshops presented through an online webinar. You can receive help with interviewing and resume development, get tips for the modern job seeker process, get strategies for the 40+ job seeker, and so much more. Reasonable accommodations requests should be made at least three business days before this training. Please contact Job Center of Wisconsin at (888) 258-9966 or send an email with any requests.

Apprenticeship is an industry-driven training model that combines on-the-job learning with job-related classroom instruction. As an "earn and learn" model, apprentices are employed and earn wages from their first day on the job. Upon completion of their programs, apprentices earn an average of $80,000. Apprenticeship opportunities are available in the traditional construction, manufacturing, utility, and service sectors, as well as emerging areas like health care, information technology, finance, transportation, biotech, and agriculture.

Apprenticeship Navigators educate and assist people in every region of the state who are interested in becoming apprentices. The team will personally guide those interested in getting into a program through the Wisconsin Apprenticeship System and refer them to opportunities that meet their specific needs and professional goals.

Pre-Apprenticeship is an opportunity to help job seekers gain the necessary skills for Registered Apprenticeship. These programs can play a valuable role in preparing individuals for a career, while contributing to the development of a diverse and skilled workforce.

Youth Apprenticeship (YA) offers high school juniors and seniors the opportunity to be hired by local employers while continuing to work toward earning their high school diploma. Students take courses related to the profession as a way of enhancing what is being learned on the job.

YA is the perfect program for students to explore their interests and enhance skills in a profession before even graduating. Students who complete YA have the ability to "bridge" into a Registered Apprenticeship program and potentially receive advanced credentialing.

Registered apprenticeship (RA) offers numerous benefits to job seekers by operating a time-proven training method of combining on-the-job training with classroom learning. Apprenticeships provide apprentices the benefits of an "earn while you learn" training model where they receive guaranteed wage increases as they increase their skills.

Educational Opportunities: For those who want to receive a certificate of GED (General Educational Development) or HSED (High School Equivalency Diploma), there are opportunities through the Department of Public Instruction. To learn more, contact the GED/HSED Administration at ged/hsedadmin@dpi.wi.gov or toll-free at (800) 768-8886.