DWD secures $615K to support workers affected by layoffs at Assurant Health, Wells Fargo

MADISON – The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD) has successfully applied for $615,090 in federal funding to support reemployment service delivery to workers affected by layoffs announced in 2015 by Assurant Health and Wells Fargo in Milwaukee.

"This funding from the U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL) will help ensure hundreds of Milwaukee-area workers affected by two dislocations announced in 2015 can access skills and occupational training to prepare them for new opportunities made available by employers seeking qualified talent," DWD Secretary Ray Allen said. "At the DWD, we are pleased the federal government approved the application we submitted in the interest of hundreds of hard-working Wisconsinites, and we look forward to collaborating with regional partners to deliver these important services to members of Wisconsin's best-in-class workforce."

The source of the USDOL awarded-grant is a Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) National Dislocated Worker Grant, formerly known as a National Emergency Grant. The funds will support skills and occupational training and other reemployment services for approximately 240 of the workers affected by the two announced layoffs.  As all affected workers from the Wells Fargo and Assurant Health announcement are eligible, DWD will monitor participation and can request additional funds throughout the life of the grant to ensure services are funded appropriately.

DWD is collaborating with Employ Milwaukee, formerly known as the Milwaukee Area Workforce Investment Board, to provide the dislocated workers with comprehensive services. Each participating affected worker will work with a case manager to identify and pursue his or her career goals.