Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development

07/11/2025

FoodShare members! Full November benefits are now available on all QUEST cards.
➡ Check your balance: Call 877-415-5164
➡ Get the latest information: dhs.wisconsin.gov/foodshare/news.htm

07/11/2025

07/11/2025

DWD Deputy Secretary Pam McGillivray recently attended the 12th Annual Wisconsin Association of Staffing Services (WASS) Legal & Legislative Conference to present updates, provide an overview of Wisconsin's current economic landscape, and to share ideas on how to strengthen partnerships with Wisconsin's staffing industry.

Deputy Secretary McGillivray highlighted all of the innovative work DWD and its partners have been able to do across the state thanks to Governor Tony Evers' investment of $158 million through the Workforce Solutions Initiative (WSI) that has helped to address regional workforce challenges by connecting people with jobs and career advancement in addition to meeting employers' workforce needs to keep Wisconsin's economy moving forward.

She also touched on the importance of DWD's ongoing partnership with Wisconsin's staffing industry, underscoring key shared objectives that include helping employers fill jobs, supporting job seekers, and driving economic growth.

Whether it’s apprenticeships, training grants, or inclusive hiring, DWD's success depends on strong collaboration with organizations like WASS as we both work to support workers in finding the training and resources they need to succeed in our changing economy, and also support employers in recruiting and retaining skilled workers to fill business needs.

We thank WASS for the invitation to attend and staffing professionals all over the state, for the work they do every day to help businesses stay productive, help workers find opportunity, and help communities grow.

06/11/2025

Two-factor authentication is now required to access your Unemployment Insurance Claimant Portal. Enable two-factor authentication with an authenticator app, text message, or phone call.

Find answers to frequently asked questions at dwd.wisconsin.gov/uiben/faqs/logon.htm

Access your Claimant Portal at my.unemployment.wisconsin.gov

04/11/2025

While unemployment insurance payments have not been impacted by the federal government shutdown at this time, November benefits for FoodShare members have been reduced due to the ongoing shutdown.

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services has the latest: dhs.wisconsin.gov/foodshare/news.htm

FoodShare members will get partial November benefits. is awaiting instructions and details from the federal government, and will work as quickly as possible to get funds added to members’ cards. Members can use any benefits already on their cards during the shutdown.
➡ Get the latest: dhs.wisconsin.gov/foodshare/news.htm
➡ Get help if you need food or infant formula: Call 211

04/11/2025

Governor Tony Evers has declared November Career Development Month in .

DWD, along with its partners across the state, thank Gov. Evers for acknowledging the success of DWD’s career development programs and celebrating their importance to Wisconsin’s overall economic prosperity.

From the comprehensive career services offered around the state including at job centers and public libraries, to the extensive workforce training programs that equip workers with the skills and confidence to pursue a new career pathway—career development is a pillar that helps strengthen our workforce now and into the future.

Happy Career Development Month, ! 👩‍🎓🪜⬆️

03/11/2025

November is National Native American Heritage Month.

This month, DWD honors Native American Heritage month—a time to recognize and celebrate the rich histories, cultures, and contributions of Native Americans across the state.

Wisconsin’s 11 federally-recognized tribes are vital contributors to our state’s economy and cultural fabric. Through tourism, small businesses, gaming, and other sustainable industries, tribal nations create thousands of jobs, and support communities and families across the state.

DWD is proud to partner with Wisconsin’s Tribal Nations to strengthen workforce opportunities, support economic development, and honor the legacy of our state’s Indigenous Communities.

Learn more about DWD’s Tribal Affairs work: https://dwd.wi.gov/tribalaffairs/

31/10/2025

🛠️ Today marks the last day of in the state of Wisconsin, and DWD is incredibly proud to have celebrated one of our state’s largest industries by sharing the many ways this sector is important to Wisconsin. From helping our economy to grow, to providing with family-sustaining jobs, manufacturing is an industry that supports the growth and economic advancement of all workers, employers, and job seekers.

🤝 We are also proud to have seen firsthand the innovation, excellence and community partnership spurred through the industry with our recent visits to , -Casco School District, and &S Machine Service. These are just two examples of our partnerships across the state that include technical colleges, workforce development boards, and businesses to ensure that training programs meet the needs of local industries to provide training and workforce opportunities to more workers.

💪 As Manufacturing Month comes to an end, the critical work of this industry in building talent pipelines, promoting wage growth, and providing equal opportunities for all Wisconsinites will continue to be strong.

Congratulations to all of our partners on an incredible Manufacturing Month!👏

31/10/2025

On Wednesday, Secretary Pechacek spent some time in Wisconsin Rapids to help kick off the 2025 with opening remarks to WIOA (Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act) partners and program staff.

Calling for continued alignment and coordination to provide more efficient delivery of services, Secretary Pechacek touched on the important role this event has in strengthening regional workforce partnerships around the state and sharing best practices and insights.

The Secretary also highlighted DWD’s record-breaking last couple of years in employment, youth and registered apprenticeships, and DVR services, and celebrated Governor Tony Evers' investment of $158 million through the Workforce Solutions Initiative (WSI) that has helped to address regional workforce challenges by connecting people with jobs and career advancement through training.

Acknowledging the current uncertainties around the federal government and economy, she thanked attendees for their steadfast commitment to supporting Wisconsin’s workforce and encouraged them to not give up in their work to keep Wisconsin’s workforce strong.

DWD is proud to partner with WIOA on this important event. The engaging and thought-provoking conversations, the new skills and insights learned, and best practices shared will continue to strengthen our efforts in creating a better future for Wisconsin’s workers, employers, and job seekers.

30/10/2025

🚨📄 NEW REPORT: DWD is excited to release its 2023-2025 Biennial Report, detailing a period of unprecedented progress for and showcasing the achievements of DWD in providing effective and inclusive services to hardworking Wisconsinites.

These have happened against the backdrop of Governor Tony Evers' declaration of 2024 as the “Year of the Worker” and as DWD has continued to implement the administration’s $158 million investment called the Workforce Solutions Initiative (WSI), bolstering local, innovative programs across the state.

🌟Agency highlights:

🤖 DWD’s leadership on Governor Tony Evers' Workforce and Artificial Intelligence Taskforce created to examine the impact of AI and automation on Wisconsin’s businesses and job market. The taskforce published policy recommendations that influenced funding in state’s 2025-2027 Biennial Budget, 2025 Act 15

4️⃣ The Office of Veterans Employment Services maintained its national fourth-place ranking in 2024 to lead Wisconsin in helping veterans connect with employment post service

💲The Equal Rights Division’s (ERD) recovery of nearly $2.3 million in lost wages for Wisconsin workers

🎖️Record-setting demand for DVR services over a 10-year period in 2024

🧠 🔎 Interested in reading more? Find the complete report here:https://dwd.wisconsin.gov/dwd/pdf/2023-2025-biennial-report.pdf and don’t forget to share with your networks!

30/10/2025

Today, Secretary Amy Pechacek joined the Goodwill Workforce Development Leadership Forum to discuss collaborative strategies for strengthening employment pathways and community support systems in .

Secretary Pechacek discussed the state’s Workforce Solutions Initiative (WSI) and shared the impact that innovation has had on in supporting critical sectors across the state.

Secretary Pechacek highlighted the incredible work happening around Milwaukee as a result of the Workforce Innovation Grant (WIG) Program including Mobilise Milwaukee, a micro-transit program that has made more than 65,000 jobs accessible to local residents through access to transportation, and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee WIG program offering skills training, career exploration, and work experiences to Milwaukee Public Schools.

This work wouldn’t be possible without Governor Tony Evers' investment of over $158 million into sustainable workforce solutions that strengthen families, communities, and ultimately, our economy.

Thank you Goodwill Greater Milwaukee & Chicago, for hosting this impactful event; we enjoy any opportunity to help strengthen our communities, foster meaningful change, and highlight the powerful work being done by community members in areas that have been historically underserved.

30/10/2025

Attention Unemployment Insurance Claimants! 📢

You will soon need to use two-factor authentication to access your Claimant Portal. Two-factor authentication is an extra step of protection against fraud.

Enable two-factor authentication now to save time and avoid issues accessing your Claimant Portal later.

Ready to add two-factor authentication to your account? Access your Claimant Portal at http://my.unemployment.wisconsin.gov