2. News Room

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Celebrating Wisconsin's Workforce on Labor Day

By Department of Workforce Development Secretary Amy Pechacek

As we approach Labor Day in Wisconsin, let's take a moment to celebrate the holiday's history and the ongoing efforts to support and build our state's workforce.

Wisconsin was among several states that independently enacted a Labor Day holiday before it became a federal holiday in 1894. Often thought of as the unofficial end of summer or the last chance to enjoy a long weekend before the new school year, Labor Day recognized that the economy of the United States rose with its workforce.

Organized labor stood up for that belief when it advocated for the holiday and championed the rights of the worker. Their efforts raised standards not only for their union members, but, over time, for workers everywhere. The ongoing partnerships among Wisconsin's labor unions, employers, workforce development leaders, educators, and nonprofits are critical to our economic success today.

Earlier this year, Governor Tony Evers declared that in Wisconsin, 2024 is the Year of the Worker. And in 2024, we have seen workforce statistics break record after record. We reached the all-time level of employment, then broke that record twice more. Wisconsin's unemployment remains consistently below the national average, and our labor force participation is significantly higher than the national average.

Part of that, no doubt, is about who we are in Wisconsin. This is a state where maybe the highest compliment I know is to be called a hard worker. But it is also a story of our priorities and where we are making investments.

We want to make work available. We want to connect those seeking jobs with employers, and those seeking greater skills with advanced training. We are fighting to open doors and tear down barriers that would keep people from the careers they want.

One way Wisconsin is opening doors is through apprenticeships. During the 2023-24 school year, the state saw record high participation in Wisconsin Apprenticeship with 16,300 active registered apprentices and 9,900 high school juniors and seniors engaged in youth apprenticeship. More than 200 unions in Wisconsin offer apprenticeship pathways across 18 sectors of the economy.

Apprenticeship programs are offered to youth and adults alike who want to learn a new career and be paid while building skills. For those under 18, programs are often available through high schools. For adults, the registered apprenticeship program offers more than 200 pathways to new careers. More information is available at wisconsinapprenticeship.com.

These programs are not just about filling immediate workforce needs but about equipping our state's young people with the skills and experiences necessary for future career success. Strong participation in these programs gives Wisconsin a competitive edge in preparing the next generation for working in a rapidly evolving job market.

Continued investment in Wisconsin’s workforce is crucial for driving innovation and bolstering our economy. Improving access to essential resources—such as childcare, transportation, and health care—remains key to addressing inequities and advancing workforce participation in the state.

Wisconsin has moved the needle in these areas thanks to recent initiatives like Gov. Evers' Workforce Innovation Grant program, administered by DWD in partnership with the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC). The Evers administration invested $128 million in the program, which prepares communities to address their most pressing workforce challenges by funding local and regional workforce development projects.

By prioritizing local investment tailored to meet the specific needs of individual communities, Wisconsin is not only addressing today’s workforce demands but is also preparing for a more resilient future. As we celebrate Labor Day, let us renew our focus on creating opportunities for every Wisconsin worker to thrive.

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ABOUT DWD

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.