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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
May 23, 2022
CONTACT: DWD Communications
CommunicationsOffice@dwd.wisconsin.gov

DWD Adopts NASWA Pilot Program to Help Job Seekers

Project offers more opportunities to learn new skills at no cost, earn certificates, find better jobs

MADISON – Department of Workforce Development Secretary-designee Amy Pechacek today announced greater opportunities for job seekers to learn high-demand skills, earn certificates at no cost, and find better jobs, all possible in partnership with the National Association of State Workforce Agencies (NASWA).

Wisconsin is now among a growing number of states participating in a pilot NASWA launched last fall with Google. As a pilot participant, Wisconsin has 500 scholarships for job seekers to learn skills in one of six high demand areas and earn a Grow with Google Career certificate, all at no cost. The six areas are:

Data Analytics
IT Support
Project Management
User Experience (UX) Design
Digital Marketing & Ecommerce
IT Automation w/Python

“We are excited to join in this pilot, expand opportunities and put workers on pathways to jobs with more rewarding careers," Pechacek said. “All industries need workers with these credentials. Any of these certificates can open the door to jobs in great demand and connect job seekers with top employers that are now hiring. These are jobs starting at an average annual salary of $63,600 for entry-level positions across certificate fields."

Pechacek said the “Grow with Google” program helps ensure that the opportunities created by technology are available to everyone. The goal is to help people get the right skills for the jobs they want so they may advance their careers. The training is designed for individuals who want to enter the technology field but lack the skills and experience.

The program, offered in collaboration with the Wisconsin Workforce Development Boards, is open to employed and unemployed Wisconsin residents. To participate, individuals will first need to have or create an account by establishing a log on in the upper right-hand corner of the Job Center of Wisconsin (JCW) site. They also will need to email the department at GrowWithWisconsin@dwd.wisconsin.gov. Individuals can learn at their own pace with up to six months to complete their training.

Learn more about Job Seeker Services and Training Opportunities.

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.