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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
Jan. 19, 2024
CONTACT: DWD Communications
CommunicationsOffice@dwd.wisconsin.gov

DWD Highlights Year of Historic Results for Workforce in 2023 Annual Report

MADISON – From record-low unemployment to all-time high participation in key workforce programs, the year 2023 delivered historic wins for Wisconsin workers, job seekers, employers, and other stakeholders under the leadership of Gov. Tony Evers. The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD)'s latest annual report showcases the many achievements by DWD and its many partners to support workers and build an economy that works for everyone.

"DWD's 2023 Annual Report highlights what was truly a record-breaking year with important progress for Wisconsin's workers, employers, and job seekers," DWD Secretary Amy Pechacek said. "These achievements are a testament to the commitment of our agency's staff and many workforce partners to carry out Gov. Evers' vision to support and advance Wisconsin's labor market economy. Together, we carry the momentum of historic results during 2023 into a new year of continued collaboration, innovation and achievement."

Examples of highlights from the 2023 Annual Report include:

Record-breaking apprenticeship enrollment: Wisconsin in November announced a record 16,384 Registered Apprentices and 8,357 Youth Apprentices with 5,719 employer sponsors.
Disability employment milestone: Newly published federal data showed a record 178,337 working-age individuals with disabilities found employment in Wisconsin, emphasizing inclusivity in the workforce.
Customer service modernization: DWD continued the unprecedented, multi-year modernization of its Unemployment Insurance (UI) system, and its Equal Rights Division introduced an online work permit application system for younger workers and an online case portal.
Another decline in worker's compensation premiums: The eighth straight decline in worker's compensation insurance rates, with the latest decline of 8.4% resulting in annual savings of $148 million for Wisconsin employers.
Workforce Solutions Initiative milestone: Gov. Evers' historic $158 million Workforce Solutions Initiative reached a significant milestone, having delivered workforce training and support services to over 33,000 Wisconsin residents.
Record-low unemployment: Wisconsin's unemployment rate reached an all-time low of 2.4% and a record low 73,000 unemployed workers in April. In addition, Wisconsin's labor force was 80,000 higher in December 2023 than it was in December 2022, and the state's labor force participation rate remained consistently above the national average throughout the year.

The full 2023 Annual Report is available on the DWD 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.