State aid to address workforce development issues caused by pandemic

MADISON—A new grant program that is part of federal COVID-19 relief is aimed at helping foster workforce development for various industries across Wisconsin.

The Worker Advancement Initiative is part of the American Rescue Plan Act and recently the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD) announced $20 million in funding will be available to 11 regions in the state to help more than 2,300 residents.

The initiative will serve Wisconsin residents whose previous employment has not come back since the economic turmoil caused by the pandemic. The funding also will address those who were not attached to or were not successful in the labor market prior to the pandemic by offering subsidized employment and skills training opportunities with local employers....
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