Program tackles youth unemployment by providing construction and manufacturing training

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Herb Kohl today announced that Waukesha-Ozaukee-Washington Workforce Development, Inc. (WOW WDI) has been awarded $1,021,950 by the Department of Labor for their YouthBuild program.  Kohl contacted the Labor Department on behalf of WOW WDI’s grant application in May.

 “YouthBuild provides education and training for at-risk youth who would otherwise face dim job prospects and gives them experience in high-growth and high-demand industries that lack skilled workers for entry level positions. WOW WDI has well-established on-the-job training programs and this investment will allow them to continue to match participants with new occupations,” Kohl said.

 With funding from the YouthBuild grant, WOW WDI will implement the Building Features program to target youth unemployment in the City of Waukesha.  Building Features will provide training for participants to gain employment in entry level carpentry and welding occupations.