Department of Workforce Development Secretary Reggie Newson today announced plans are under way for a major recruitment event that will connect Milwaukee-area manufacturing employers that have available openings with job seekers who have demonstrated they are work-ready.
The 2012 Milwaukee Manufacturing Career Expo will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Thursday, May 10, at the State Fair Park Exposition Center.
“We know the manufacturing sector is leading our state’s continued economic recovery and creating thousands of jobs for Wisconsinites, and we hear time and again that these employers need qualified applicants to fill openings,” Secretary Newson said in a press release. “The 2012 Milwaukee Manufacturing Career Expo will bring manufacturing employers from across the Milwaukee region together with job seekers who will have demonstrated through a pre-screening process that they are work-ready.
“This is one important step we are taking to address the skills gap and fulfill the vision that Governor Walker has put forth in his Wisconsin Working initiative.”
In March, DWD and Wisconsin Job Service began seeking manufacturers to take part in the May 10 event and already signed up several employers, such as Milwaukee Machine Works, Badger Technical Services, and Super Steel, LLC.
Job openings include a variety of positions such as CNC machinists and welders, paying up to $22 per hour. As part of its ongoing outreach to employers, DWD has launched WisconsinCareerExpo.com to provide more information and share updates on the planned event.
Employers have until April 20, 2012 to register and can access information and download the registration from WisconsinCareerExpo.com.
DWD is finalizing its process to prepare potential job applicants and will reach out in the near future to individuals with additional details, which also will be posted on JobCenterofWisconsin.com.
Requirements for employers, job seekers
In order to take part in the career expo, manufacturing employers will need to have job openings to fill and must provide DWD with information about the number of openings, titles, pay range and other criteria. DWD will track this information and will follow up with employers after the event to determine the number of positions that ultimately were filled as a result of connections made at the event.
Participating job seekers will need to complete a number of steps before they receive an entry “ticket” to the event as well. They will need to meet in advance with DWD or partnering agency staff and demonstrate that they:
- Completed one-on-one counseling that criminal background checks and the ability to pass a drug screen will likely be components of any job offer.
- Have a current, updated and professional resume and cover letter.
- Have defined interests or career goals.
- Can articulate qualifications and skills related to potential job openings.
- Do not have significant barriers to employment.
DWD will be asking interested job seekers to complete these required steps in advance of May 10. Additional information about the required preparations will be shared in the near future.
