Workforce Development Division

ABOUT WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

 

UMOS is the largest nonprofit workforce development contractor with the State of Wisconsin.

The Workforce Development Division consists of Wisconsin Works (W-2) Transitional Jobs,
Transform Milwaukee Jobs Program, TechHire and the National Farmworker Jobs Program.

The UMOS One-Stop Job Center Affiliate remains the hub of the Workforce Development Division.
The job center is funded with several warp-around programs that takes into consideration a job
seeker’s “total picture,” to better provide comprehensive services.

 

LOOKING TO IMPROVE YOUR SITUATION? LOOK NO FURTHER

 

 

 

Photo of UMOS Job Center

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The UMOS One-Stop Job Center Affiliate, located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, serves employers large and small, job seekers, program participants and the general community by providing easy access to a customer-driven, comprehensive, array of integrated employment, educational, skills training, on-the-job experiences and economic development services.
 
Over 260,000 individuals will walk through our job center doors each year.
 
The UMOS One-Stop Job Center Affiliate is a collaboration of public entities, federal and state government funding sources, as well as city and county government all committed to delivering a performance-based workforce development system.

 

A proud partner of the

American Job Center logo

TECHHIRE: MORE SKILLS, MORE MARKETABILITY

 

TechHire Worker

The UMOS TechHire Program provides technology training based on employers’ needs.
 
The program provides accelerated training, hands-on experience in web and software application development, web development, help desk analyst, Microsoft Office Specialist, CNC, AutoCAD and more.
 
For employers, benefits include screening, recruitment and training, pipeline to potential employees, paid internships, coaching and support.
 

For program participants, benefits include a flexible learning environment, free classroom-based and virtual training options, hundreds of industry standard technology certifications, enhanced portfolio for more marketability, as well as direct connection to potential employers.

 

 

KNOWING THE ABC’S OF CNC… BEFORE RELEASE

 

The UMOS Computerized Numerical Control (CNC) program is accelerated coursework that provides technical skill development in blueprint reading, metrology, introduction to CNC programming, manual vertical milling and CNC Vertical machining. The 14-credit course leads to a technical diploma in CNC vertical machining.
 
The course is open to anyone between the ages of 17-29. However, UMOS has formed a creative partnership with the House of Corrections to provide re-entry training to inmates before they are released. This gives ex-offenders a better chance of finding family supporting employment sooner when they return to their communities.
 
 

When I counsel my program participants, I tell them, “When you limit your mind, you eliminate your potential for greatness.”

Juan Casso

TechHire Business Relationship Coordinator, UMOS

 

Focused on Employers

UMOS TechHire staff develop customized training services to assist in meeting employer demand for a technology skilled workforce. TechHire staff provide a higher level of previously provided workforce development programing to meet the higher skill levels needed by employers.

 

Pilot Program

UMOS partners with local companies to develop customized training for potential employee prospects with specific needed skills. For example, based on current data, a pilot training module for Computer Numerically Controlled Operators is being explored with a Milwaukee County Corrections Facility to meet the needs of area employers. Starting salaries for ex-offenders that complete the accelerated program before reentering their community could range from $30,000 to $55,000 per year.

 

Eastern Wisconsin TechHire Collaborative

The UMOS Eastern Wisconsin TechHire Collaborative, a partnership between UMOS, the College of Menominee Nation, and several employers, is designed to meet the overall workforce demand in technology fields. The TechHire program targets ages 17-29, with blended accelerated training, hands-on experience in web and software application development, real-world employer projects, and certification toward industry-recognized credentialing, such as Microsoft certifications

 

Individualized Training Techniques

UMOS offers various individualized training techniques for maximum participant learning:

  • Virtual training from any location with an internet connection
  • Remote instructional and coaching support
  • Web conferencing
  • Face-to-face facilitated training workgroup sessions in the UMOS Technology Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
  • Classroom instructor-led sessions through collaboration with the College of Menominee Nation in Keshena and Green Bay, Wisconsin.

 

Flexible Learning Environment:

  • Online and classroom-based
  • UMOS Technology Training Center: Milwaukee

 

Benefits of Training:

  • Self-paced up to six months
  • Technical course support
  • FREE to you
  • Access to hundreds of industry standard technology certifications
  • Web-based portfolio for job seeking
  • Direct connection to potential employers & internship experiences

 

Certification:

  • Microsoft Solutions Developer path & credential training in JavaScript, CSS3, and HTML5

 

Admission Requirements

  • Are you between the age of 17-29, and have a high school diploma (or equivalent)?
  • If you’re 30 or older, do you have an interest in advancing your career in the field of Information Technology?
  • Are you authorized to work in the U.S.?
  • Are you interested in a career in web development?
  • Are you comfortable with online learning?

If so, then call (414) 588-4522.

Contact our office to find out if you are eligible for this flexible accelerated skill development training and other services:
 

Joni Theobald
UMOS TechHire Director
(414) 588-8313

 
 
TechHire is funded in whole by the US Department of Labor/Employment & Training Administration. TechHire is an equal opportunity service program.

 

TRANSITIONAL JOBS/TRANSFORM MILWAUKEE JOBS PROGRAM: TRANSFORMING LIVES

 

Construction workers

 
 
 
 
The UMOS Transform Milwaukee Jobs Program and the UMOS Transitional Jobs Program help participants progress from unemployment, to assisted employment (subsidized wages), to self-sufficiency (unsubsidized wages) employment. The programs offer immediate work with pay. The programs also offer job coaching, employability planning, life skills development, limited vocational training, as well as job search assistance.
 
The programs are offered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, as well as in Central, Southeastern and Northeastern rural regions in Wisconsin. Specifically, the programs are offered in Milwaukee County, Menominee, Langlade, Forest, Florence, Clark, Jackson, Juneau, Adams and Racine Counties. All regions and counties are funded by the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families.
 
In 2018, 507 individuals were served. Of those served, 240 completed the program and 223 continue to be employed in unsubsidized positions, earning an average wage of $11.00 per hour.
 
The Transitional Jobs and Transform Milwaukee Jobs Programs continue to grow its partnership network with employers and workforce development organizations throughout the regions served.
 

The UMOS Transform Milwaukee Jobs Program and Transitional Jobs Program are funded by the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families.

 

Click below for more program information in your particular area.

Funded by and in partnership with:

The Transitional Jobs Program is an equal opportunity program.
Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.
 

Transform Milwaukee Jobs Program (TMJ)

 

What is TMJ?

The Transform Milwaukee Jobs Program (TMJ) is an employment program that offers unemployed residents immediate work. TMJ is a program of Wisconsin’s Department of Children and Families. The purpose of TMJ is to enhance employment opportunities for people who have difficulty entering and succeeding in the workforce. The TMJ employment strategy helps individuals overcome employment barriers and transition into work by using wage-paid, short-term employment that combines real work, skills training, education and supportive services. TMJ also offers job coaching, employability planning, life skills development, and limited vocational training, as well as job search assistance.

TMJ promotes self-sufficiency by providing time-limited, publicly funded, wage-based jobs in public, nonprofit, or for profit settings. The goal is to help eligible residents gain a foothold in the labor market with jobs that are available in the public and private sectors. TMJ’s combination of training, work experience, case management, and supportive services will produce positive results for Southeast Wisconsin’s job seekers and the employers who “hire” program participants.

 

Who Qualifies?

 

TMJ Participant/Candidate

 

  • Must reside in Milwaukee County
  • Must be at least 18 years old at time of enrollment.
  • If over 24 years old, must be the biological or adoptive parent of child under age 18; or the relative & primary caregiver of child under age 18 years.
  • Must have a child support order, be under a reunification plan, or be an ex-offender; or be a youth in foster care and expected to age out of care, or have aged out of foster care.
  • Must have been unemployed for the last 4 consecutive weeks prior to enrollment.
  • Must have an annual household income below 150% of federal poverty guideline for household size.
  • Must be ineligible to receive unemployment insurance.
  • Must not be participating in a Wisconsin Works (W-2) employment position.

 

Employer Host/Worksite

 

  • Must interview candidate(s) and may select the most appropriate person.
  • Must provide adequate supervision.
  • Must provide a work opportunity that offers skills development and/or training in a demand occupation.
  • Must provide at least 20 hours of work per week, but no more than 40 hours per week.
  • Must report hours worked to UMOS on a predetermined schedule.
  • Must maintain contact with UMOS in an effort to enhance the success of the TMJ worker.
  • May be for profit, nonprofit or public sector.
  • Has no obligation to retain the TMJ worker beyond the subsidized employment period.
To find out if you are eligible, contact:
Alba Baltodano
Alba.Baltodano@umos.org
(414) 389-6331UMOS Transform Milwaukee Jobs Program
2701 South Chase Ave.
Milwaukee, WI 53207
 
 

Transitional Jobs Program – Rural Northeast

 

What is TJ?

Transitional Jobs (TJ) is an employment program that offers unemployed residents immediate work. TJ is a program of Wisconsin’s Department of Children and Families. The purpose of TJ is to enhance employment opportunities for people who have difficulty entering and succeeding in the workforce. The TJ employment strategy helps individuals overcome employment barriers and transition into work by using wage-paid, short-term employment that combines real work, skills training, education and supportive services. TJ also offers job coaching, employability planning, life skills development, and limited vocational training, as well as job search assistance.

TJ promotes self-sufficiency by providing time-limited, publicly funded, wage-based jobs in public, nonprofit, or for profit settings. The goal is to help eligible residents gain a foothold in the labor market with jobs that are available in the public and private sectors. TJ’s combination of training, work experience, case management, and supportive services will produce positive results for Northeast Wisconsin’s job seekers and the employers who “hire” program participants.

 

Who Qualifies?

 

 

 

TJ Participant/Candidate

 

 

  • Must reside in Menominee, Langlade, Forest, or Florence, Jackson, Juneau, Adams, Clark Counties
  • Must be at least 18 years old at time of enrollment.
  • If over 24 years old, must be the biological or adoptive parent of child under age 18; or the relative & primary caregiver of child under age 18 years.
  • Must have a child support order, be under a reunification plan, or have been involved with the criminal justice system; or be a youth in foster care and expected to age out of care, or have aged out of foster care.
  • Must have been unemployed for the last 4 consecutive weeks prior to enrollment.
  • Must have an annual household income below 150% of federal poverty guideline for household size.
  • Must be ineligible to receive unemployment insurance.
  • Must not be participating in a Wisconsin Works (W-2) employment position.

 

 

 

Employer Host/Worksite

 

 

  • Must interview candidate(s) and may select the most appropriate person.
  • Must provide adequate supervision.
  • Must provide a work opportunity that offers skills development and/or training in a demand occupation.
  • Must provide at least 20 hours of work per week, but no more than 40 hours per week.
  • Must report hours worked to UMOS on a predetermined schedule.
  • Must maintain contact with UMOS in an effort to enhance the success of the TJ worker.
  • May be for profit, nonprofit or public sector.
  • Has no obligation to retain the TJ worker beyond the subsidized employment period.

 

 

 

To find out if you are eligible, contact:

 

 

Natasha Chevalier, TJ Program Manager
natasha.chevalier@umos.org
(414) 588-7871

David Frechette, TJ Employment Coach
david.frechette@umos.org
(414) 588-7126

UMOS Transitional Jobs Northeast
N172 Highway 47/55
PO Box 568
Keshena, WI 54135
TJ.Northeast@umos.org

UMOS Transitional Jobs Central
21 S. 2nd St
Black River Falls, WI 54615
TJ.Central@umos.org

Transitional Jobs Program – Racine County

 

What is TJ?

Transitional Jobs (TJ) is an employment program that offers unemployed residents immediate work. TJ is a program of Wisconsin’s Department of Children and Families. The purpose of TJ is to enhance employment opportunities for people who have difficulty entering and succeeding in the workforce. The TJ employment strategy helps individuals overcome employment barriers and transition into work by using wage-paid, short-term employment that combines real work, skills training, education and supportive services. TJ also offers job coaching, employability planning, life skills development, and limited vocational training, as well as job search assistance.

TJ promotes self-sufficiency by providing time-limited, publicly funded, wage-based jobs in public, nonprofit, or for profit settings. The goal is to help eligible residents gain a foothold in the labor market with jobs that are available in the public and private sectors. TJ’s combination of training, work experience, case management, and supportive services will produce positive results for Southeast Wisconsin’s job seekers and the employers who “hire” program participants.

 

Who Qualifies?

 

TJ Participant/Candidate
 

  • Must reside in Racine County
  • Must be at least 18 years old at time of enrollment.
  • If over 24 years old, must be the biological or adoptive parent of child under age 18; or the relative & primary caregiver of child under age 18 years.
  • Must have a child support order, be under a reunification plan, or be an ex-offender; or be a youth in foster care and expected to age out of care, or have aged out of foster care.
  • Must have been unemployed for the last 4 consecutive weeks prior to enrollment.
  • Must have an annual household income below 150% of federal poverty guideline for household size.
  • Must be ineligible to receive unemployment insurance.
  • Must not be participating in a Wisconsin Works (W-2) employment position.

 

Employer Host/Worksite
 

  • Must interview candidate(s) and may select the most appropriate person.
  • Must provide adequate supervision.
  • Must provide a work opportunity that offers skills development and/or training in a demand occupation.
  • Must provide at least 20 hours of work per week, but no more than 40 hours per week.
  • Must report hours worked to UMOS on a predetermined schedule.
  • Must maintain contact with UMOS in an effort to enhance the success of the TJ worker.
  • May be for profit, nonprofit or public sector.
  • Has no obligation to retain the TJ worker beyond the subsidized employment period.

 

 

To find out if you are eligible, contact:
Ferdinand Gaud, Work Programs Manager
Ferdinand.Gaud@umos.org
(414) 791-4318
UMOS Transitional Jobs Racine
300 5th Street
Racine, WI 53403

 

 

Funded by and in partnership with:
 

 

The Transitional Jobs Program is an equal opportunity program.
Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.

WISCONSIN WORKS: STILL WORKING

 

The W-2 program is employer focused, yet is consistent with a job seeker’s interests and goals. The program builds on the strengths and skills of job seekers, while maintaining a focus on the needs of employers.
 
UMOS is the only remaining nonprofit Wisconsin Works (W-2) contractor since the program’s inception in 1997. The W-2 program is still working.
 
In 2018 and 2019, UMOS served 4,308 program participants. Over 1,700 were successfully placed into employment for 90 days or more, earning an average wage of $11.21 in 2019, a 7.9% increase over 2018.

 

UMOS PARTNERS WITH THE UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MILWAUKEE

Dimitri Topitzes is an associate professor of social work at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM), Helen Bader School of Social Welfare. Topitzes and John Mersky, a Helen Bader School professor of social work, are experts in developing mental health assessment tools and in working with social welfare agencies to implement practices that better serve clients with mental health issues.
 

 

It was only after using one of their mental health assessment tools that I realized my client had suffered beatings and sexual assault.

Enilda Burgos

Case Worker, UMOS

After that Burgos better understood her client’s situation and was in a better position to provide the needed assistance.

UMOS is the only W-2 agency partnering with the UWM.

The W-2 Program is funded by the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families.

 

W-2 Staff getting Award

Eloise Anderson (right), former Secretary, Department of Children and Families, recently presented UMOS staff with the number one performance award among Milwaukee W-2 agencies.

Meeting with Kevin Carr

Kevin Carr (center), Secretary, Wisconsin Department of Corrections, meets with UMOS staff on the merits of re-entry skills training programs before inmates are released.

NATIONAL FARM WORKER JOBS PROGRAM

 

The National Farmworker Jobs Program (NFJP) is a program created by Congress in response to the chronic seasonal unemployment and underemployment experienced by migrant and seasonal farmworkers (MSFWs). The program is operated in Missouri and Wisconsin.
 
The NFJP provides funding to help MSFWs and their families achieve economic self-sufficiency by offering supportive services while working in agriculture or by helping them acquire new skills for jobs offering higher sustainable wages. Services under this program include training and career services, youth services, housing services and supportive services.
 
In the 2018/2019 program year, UMOS NFJP Missouri, served 22 adult MSFWs and 53 youth MSFWs. UMOS staff were successful in securing employment for 24 participants. Career pathways selected included Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), Welding, Heavy Equipment, Electrical Linemen and Farm Equipment Mechanic.
 
NFJP Missouri met or exceeded performance measures regarding employment rate at 2nd quarter, median earnings and credential rate.
 
For the 2018/2019 program year, the NFJP in Wisconsin served 91 adult MSFWs and 32 youth MSFWs. Employment has been secured for 28 participants. Career pathways selected included Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), Heavy Equipment Operator, Crane Operator, Associates in Criminal Justice and Certified Nursing Assistants.
 
NFJP Wisconsin is meeting or exceeding performance measures in employment rate at 2nd and 4th quarters, after exit, as well as median earnings and credential rate.
The National Farmworker Jobs Program is funded by the United States Department of Labor (USDOL).
 

The National Farmworker Jobs Program is funded by the U.S. Department of Labor.

 

 

Although our program is small within UMOS, our staff make big impacts, life changing impacts, with the farmworkers we are proud to serve.

Shirley Avilés

Farmworker Programs Manager, UMOS

 

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Verifiable farmworker within the past 2 years, 51% of that time worked or wages earned must be from farmwork. (Farmwork: worked in crops, tree farming, nurseries, dairy, fishery, poultry, cotton gins, canneries, fruit and vegetable packing, work with fur-bearing animals, etc.)
  • Legally authorized to work in the United States. (US Citizen, Permanent Resident, DACA, etc.)
  • If male and over 18 years or older, must be registered with the Selective Service.
  • You and/or your family is low income. (receiving public assistance or un/underemployed)

If you think that you may be eligible, please click here to complete the online form 
or call 1-800-279-8667 in Wisconsin or 1-866-789-4870 in Missouri to get more information.

 

 

EDUCATION IS STILL THE KEY TO OPPORTUNITIES

 

 

UMOS continued to provide GED classroom instruction and testing services to high school students and members of the community seeking more education to unlock employment opportunities. Although the number of tested students was lower than in 2017, UMOS remained competitive among GED testing sites.

UMOS ranked 6th among 129 testing centers based on the total exams taken. UMOS administered 1,456 exams in 2018, divided between GED and professional tests.
 
UMOS continued to be the main testing services center for Milwaukee’s southside community and the testing center of choice for Milwaukee Public Schools. UMOS graduated 111 students in 2018.
 
UMOS also provided English as a Second Language (ESL) classes to job seekers and other members of the community from around the world. GED and ESL services are located within the UMOS Job Center.

 

 

 

 

EMPLOYER SERVICES

Child at dentist's offfice

UMOS helps employers meet their workforce needs by hosting job fairs, assisting with direct employee recruitment, and providing other support to companies without cost.

UMOS recognizes that in order to help job seekers be successful, the agency must build and maintain strong, positive relationships with the employer community. As such, UMOS has on staff experienced Employment Consultants who are charged with developing those relationships, marketing job seekers and UMOS programs, and providing support to assist companies with filling their workforce needs.

UMOS offers the following services to employers at no cost, leaving more for their bottom line:

  • Job Fair Coordination and Hosting Services
  • Direct On-site Recruitments
  • Job Candidate Screening
  • Customized Skills Training Opportunities
  • Retention Support for New Hires
  • Information on Business Tax Credits to Employers
  • Subsidized Employment Opportunities

 

KIDS ARE TREATED LIKE FAMILY WHILE IN OUR CARE

Children playing in classroom


The UMOS Child Care Drop Off Center is open Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.. Participants in the Wisconsin Works (W-2) Program or parents applying for Energy Assistance can drop off their children so they can focus on their immediate needs. Children can stay in the center for a maximum of 2 hours.
 

UMOS provides a family-oriented working environment, which makes it easier to provide services to the community in a family-oriented way.

Lisa Montoto-Pallen

W-2 Supervisor, UMOS

Computers with educational programs, games, books, art and other educational activities are provided during a child’s stay. Snacks are also provided.
 
The Child Care Drop Off Center has 5 teachers; 4 teachers have 20+ years of experience in child care. Staff members are fully trained and meet all mandatory continuing education requirements, including first aid with choking, as well as adult CPR/AED.
The UMOS child-care drop off center served 4,200 children over a one-year period.

 

 

 

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