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  2. News Room
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Tony Evers, Governor
Amy Pechacek, Secretary

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
Oct. 6, 2023
CONTACT: DWD Communications
CommunicationsOffice@dwd.wisconsin.gov

DWD Marks Manufacturing Month, Promotes Careers

October celebrates one of state's top industries

MADISON - October is Manufacturing Month and Gov. Evers has marked the occasion with a proclamation highlighting an industry that generates $66 billion in economic output and accounts for nearly 19% of the state's domestic product.

"Here in Wisconsin, manufacturing has long been part of our state’s heritage and tradition, and we are proud to be a global leader in manufacturing still today," said Gov. Evers. "I’ve been glad to support several programs and initiatives like our Workforce Innovation Grant Program, designed to help individuals gain the skills, education, and training to pursue successful, family-supporting careers in manufacturing. As we celebrate Manufacturing Month, I look forward to continuing our support for this critical industry and the more than 480,000 workers who power it."

The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD) supports this key sector through workforce training programs and grants to schools and employers.

"Wisconsin's economic success would not be what it is without manufacturing. It's an economic engine powered by the state's world-class workforce," said DWD Secretary Amy Pechacek. "There's a wide variety of careers in manufacturing such as engineering, parts assembly, sales and computer programming – exciting opportunities that support families and communities."

Wisconsin apprenticeship is an important pathway to careers in manufacturing and both the Registered and Youth Apprenticeship programs achieved record levels of participation last year. In 2022, Wisconsin's Registered Apprenticeship had 15,900 participants and Wisconsin's Youth Apprenticeship program hit a new high of 8,357 with more than 1,500 students working in manufacturing.

DWD is committed to supporting the growth of this industry in Milwaukee and across Wisconsin through investments made under Gov. Evers Workforce Solutions Initiative, such as the Workforce Innovation Grant Program, which helps people train for successful careers in manufacturing.

For more information, visit the Workforce Solutions website.

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, Twitter and YouTube.