BankWork$ was developed to open a door for young adults and adults from low income and minority communities to help them find and succeed in well-paying jobs that can lead to a lasting career. Students are often those who otherwise would not be considered a qualified candidate for positions in banking/financial services. Participants in the BankWork$ program will be 18 years or older, have a high school diploma or GED, have basic computer skills, and previous cash handling and customer service experience. Employ Milwaukee will assess individuals prior to enrollment to ensure eligibility requirements are met. BankWork$ classes will be provided at no cost to the participants.
BankWork$ classes are held on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM for eight weeks. Topics include workplace professionalism, deepening the customer relationship, financial services fundamentals, and preparing for employment. Employ Milwaukee will schedule days and times based on market demand. The classes will be delivered as a hybrid model.
BankWork$ Flyer
BankWork$ South Side Flyer
BankWork$ cohorts are offered in Milwaukee, with a second location being launched in June 2025. If you are interested in joining a future cohort, please complete a form the inquiry form below.
Milwaukee Inquiry Form
Milwaukee South Side Inquiry Form
July 1, 2025
September 30, 2025
June 16, 2025
Yazmin Franco Luna's journey into the world of banking began with a strong determination to overcome challenges and grow. Yazmin embarked on a transformative path through the BankWork$ program, hosted by Employ Milwaukee. Initially grappling with self-doubt and anxiety about her ability to complete the program, Yazmin's dedication and resilience soon turned her fears into triumphs.
The BankWork$ program offered Yazmin an introduction to the banking sector by laying a solid foundation with the knowledge and skills necessary for success. She learned the basics of banking, but more importantly, she acquired the ability to build meaningful relationships with her customers, a skill that proved to be a cornerstone in her new role.
The program's emphasis on pushing beyond comfort zones and addressing personal weaknesses was both challenging and invigorating for Yazmin. Her instructor, Adriene Wright, encouraged her to confront her fears and helped Yazmin develop her confidence. This played a pivotal role in her growth. The experience was transformative, and by the end of the program, Yazmin felt more self-assured and well-prepared to embark on a new career in the finance industry.
Empowered by her newfound confidence, Yazmin applied to several banks in preparation of the hiring event held at the end of the 8-week program. Yazmin was thrilled to share that she received job offers from every institution she approached. Each offer was a testament to her hard work and the skills she had honed throughout the program. Yazmin chose to begin her banking career at Johnson Financial Group, where she felt an immediate sense of welcome and support during her initial interview.
Reflecting on her journey, Yazmin offers valuable advice to future participants of the BankWork$ program: “Take the program seriously and be prepared to commit. Your efforts will pay off, and by the end, you’ll find yourself much more confident and ready to start your new career.”
Yazmin looks back on her journey today with a deep sense of gratitude and pride. Her story is a powerful example of how determination, a willingness to step out of one’s comfort zone, and the right support can lead to a fulfilling and rewarding career.
BankWork$® is partnering with Employ Milwaukee and the Wisconsin Bankers Association (WBA) to expand its eight-week training program to southeastern Wisconsin at no cost to the trainee. BankWork$® is a public-private partnership that primarily trains participants from underserved neighborhoods for careers in retail banking. The Milwaukee partnership will place adults with barriers to employment, in jobs in the financial services industry. The program is currently operating in Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Pittsburgh, Portland, San Francisco, Seattle, and Tacoma.
The BankWork$ December 2022 graduating class.
Training prepares job seekers for success in occupations including Bank Teller, Customer Service Representative, Relationship Banker and Personal Banker candidates to local banks/financial institutions. Training topics include workplace professionalism, deepening the customer relationship, financial services fundamentals, and preparing for employment. Employer partners receive exclusive access to a graduation ceremony and hiring event after each class! Employer partners will have 50-100 prepared candidates to interview each year.
Are you interested in becoming a BankWork$® employer partner?
For more information, please contact Oscar Delgado at 414-270-1785 at Oscar.Delgado@employmilwaukee.org.
Employ Milwaukee
2342 North 27th Street, Milwaukee, WI 53210
Phone: (414) 270-1700Fax: (414) 225-2375 Deaf, hearing or speech impaired callers may reach us by the Wisconsin Relay number 711.
Employ Milwaukee is an Equal Opportunity Employer & Service Provider.
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