“I would highly recommend this program, especially, certainly, to people who are unsure of college and unsure of trade jobs,” Gabby said.
Jace just completed his fourth year of Camp RISE, a six-week summer youth program which focuses on career exploration and aims to provide kids ages 10 to 13 in Milwaukee with tools to become leaders in their community. This experience equipped Jace with more maturity and patience that he will utilize as he goes on to Earn & Learn, a youth program that provides meaningful work experiences and career exposure to young people ages 14 to 24 in Milwaukee.
“I provide strategic oversight, develop policy, coordinate grant reporting, and support 27 grantees tackling Wisconsin’s most pressing workforce challenges, from skills gaps and childcare shortages to housing and transportation barriers.”
When Elijah joined the Milwaukee Equitable Nursing Development (MEND) program, he was unemployed and looking for a career, not just a job. He excelled in the Medical Assistant training track and transitioned into a full-time Medical Assistant role with Ascension immediately after graduating.
Jaymel came into the WIOA Opportunity Youth program as a high school graduate looking for employment and training opportunities. He came in with work experience, but wanted to find a career opportunity that would allow him to grow and increase wage. After reviewing the different training opportunities, he decided on Commercial Driver License (CDL) training. Jaymel successfully completed the training with support from his Career Planner during training. He first attained his CDL permit and then his license by passing the road exam. By using the job leads provided by the training provider, Jaymel found a position as a semi-truck driver for Superior Health Linens and later attained a job with JB Hunt where he continues to be employed. He has completed follow-up services through the program and continues to be employed as a driver.
“The program changed my life around.” Jaymel says, “I went from having a regular-time job to having a long-term stable career that I can support myself and my future family... I recommend this program to everyone especially those who struggle to make a living and would want to get into the field of their desires.”
Employ Milwaukee’s Business Solutions team collaborates with local businesses to provide On-the-Job Training (OJT) opportunities that support both employers and employees. Through OJT, businesses receive up to 75% wage reimbursement for eligible participants during training, easing financial burdens while helping workers develop essential skills. “OJT is a win-win for both businesses and job seekers,” says Jeffrey McAlister, Business Solutions Manager at Employ Milwaukee. “Employers receive financial support to develop their workforce, while participants gain hands-on experience that builds a strong foundation for long-term success.”
Emem Group, a Milwaukee-based real estate firm dedicated to building affordable rental units and homes, has partnered with Employ Milwaukee to utilize OJT services, successfully hiring three participants, two of whom, Demetrius and Rodney, are actively completing their training.
Demetrius, new to construction, is gaining hands-on experience as a Construction Laborer, learning job site safety, blueprint reading, and material handling. Rodney, an experienced carpenter and general contractor, is stepping into the role of Construction Superintendent. His OJT is allowing him to refine his leadership skills, manage complex projects, and oversee quality control. His training is particularly valuable as he serves as the Project Superintendent for Emem Group’s Midtown Duplexes project, a development of 20 affordable homes that will transition to tenant ownership after 15 years.
“[Employ Milwaukee] OJT funds allowed us to obtain a skilled carpenter and train him to manage a large, logistically complicated project in the heart of the city,” said Michael Emem, President & CEO of Emem Group. “We’re excited to help him grow his skill set so he can lead even larger projects and continue building our community. I would highly recommend employers utilize Employ Milwaukee’sprograms!”
This partnership demonstrates the real-world impact of OJT, helping businesses build a skilled workforce while giving participants the experience needed to grow in their careers. Employ Milwaukee remains committed to connecting employers with skilled talent and promoting long-term career growth.
This summer, students working at America’s Black Holocaust Museum (ABHM) through the Earn & Learn program have gained a deep understanding of history, education, and personal growth.
At ABHM, they delved into historical topics that are often overlooked in traditional education. "We're learning history that school doesn't teach you. If you come visit here, you'll learn about the history you didn't know," one student shared. This includes learning about the painful history of lynching, the life and legacy of Dr. James Cameron, the museum's founder, and exploring African history.
Beyond gaining knowledge, these students developed invaluable public speaking skills. "When I came here, I didn't know how to speak to anybody, but once I learned more about the history, I've gotten better at speaking to people on the tours," one student explained. Their confidence in communication grew as they guided guests through the museum, sharing powerful stories and insights.
Their experience also extended beyond the walls of ABHM. Field trips to other cultural institutions, such as the Jewish Museum and the Wisconsin Black Historical Society, offered them insights into museum management. Additionally, they enjoyed reading to children at the Betty Brinn Museum, broadening their understanding of community engagement.
"Every day has been amazing. Kids my age don't have opportunities like we've had here. Some kids don't know about Earn & Learn, but my mom signed me up, and I got to come here and learn about history. It was really a good choice for me to be here," one student reflected. The program not only provided them with a unique educational experience but allowed them to earn money before the school year starts.
As the summer concludes, these students are preparing to showcase their newfound knowledge by giving a guided tour of ABHM. They've written a script to highlight the museum's important exhibits. "I recommend coming to work here," one student said. "It really gives you a good start to learning about history. I feel like schools do not teach us about the history we need to learn. When you come here, you can learn more."
Earn & Learn has provided these students with more than just a summer job; it has given them a platform to learn, grow, and inspire others, all while uncovering crucial aspects of history.
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.
Chris Polk has spent most of his life in and out of the justice system since catching his first case at 17 years old. While serving time in 2018, Chris got involved with the SMART Reentry program. The SMART Reentry program was created to assess and identify individuals that are considered to be high-risk of reoffending, and connect them to workforce/employment opportunities. After realizing all the opportunities available to him, Chris reached out to Employ Milwaukee about obtaining a Community Based Residential Facility (CBRF) certification, so that he could find work as soon as possible upon his release. Chris put in a commendable effort to obtain his certification and was amicably connected to an employer within the same month he was released.
Since then, Chris carries himself as a model representation of how great of an impact Reentry programing has on our community’s returning citizens. Employ Milwaukee loves to share stories, like Chris’, that shed light on the positive things happening in our community! Employ Milwaukee does not believe in turning its back on anyone. We embrace our community’s reentry population and are excited to lend our support.
If you want to hear more of Chris's story, you can listen to his interview on our podcast, Workforce Insights!
Employ Milwaukee
2342 North 27th Street, Milwaukee, WI 53210
Phone: (414) 270-1700Fax: (414) 225-2375
Employ Milwaukee is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Service Provider. If you need this information in an alternate format, or in a different language at no cost to you, please contact us at (414) 270-1700. Deaf, hard of hearing, or speech impaired callers can contact us through Wisconsin Relay Service at 711.
