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What is the "workforce development board"? In 1998, the federal government passed the Workforce Investment Act, requiring many distinct and separate programs and agencies to work together for greater effectiveness and efficiency. The new workforce development system is designed to:
"Provide workforce investment activities through statewide and local workforce investment systems that increase the employment, retention and earnings by participants, and as a result, improve the quality of the workforce, reduce welfare dependency, and enhance the productivity and competitiveness of the nation."
A major change brought about by this legislation was the creation of local workforce development boards, including the SWWDB. We are responsible for guiding and overseeing a local system of service provision that is responsive to local needs and economic conditions. The services within this system are driven by the needs of employers and workers and are easily accessible to all citizens, not limited by income, education or employment status. Available through eight "one-stop" Job Centers,
as well as on through our Virtual Job Center
www.jobcenter.org, these services are staffed by a variety of different agencies and programs - all working in collaboration to maximize public awareness, simplify access and improve outcomes.
The SWWDB represents the public/private nature of the new workforce development system. Board membership consists of representatives from business, education, labor, economic development, community-based organizations, literacy, rehabilitation agencies, public assistance agencies, and the public employment service.
The State of Wisconsin is divided into eleven (11)
local workforce development areas. The SWWDB is the body responsible for planning and oversight of the workforce system for Rock County (Janesville/Beloit) and the rural counties of Grant, Green, Iowa, Lafayette and Richland.
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