Stevens Point, WI – The Wisconsin Workforce Development Association (WWDA) has been awarded more than $5 million through the U.S. Department of Labor’s Reentry Employment in Skilled Trades, Advanced Manufacturing, Registered Apprenticeships, and Training (RESTART) Initiative to launch Building Reentry Integration & Development for Growth in Employment Wisconsin (BRIDGE-WI), a statewide workforce strategy focused on preparing justice-involved youth and young adults for careers in Wisconsin’s most in-demand industries. 

Through BRIDGE-WI, eight Wisconsin Workforce Development Boards will work in partnership to serve approximately 695 youth and young adults ages 15 to 24 across urban and rural communities, connecting participants to career pathways in advanced manufacturing, transportation, shipbuilding, information technology, construction trades, and emerging AI-related industries. The initiative will provide workforce training, work-based learning opportunities, Registered Apprenticeships, supportive services, and employment placement assistance.

The investment aligns with the U.S. Department of Labor's focus on strengthening America's talent pipeline through industry-driven training, work-based learning, and expanding access to good jobs for underrepresented and untapped talent populations. BRIDGE-WI will help employers address workforce shortages while creating pathways to long-term economic mobility for young people across Wisconsin. 

"Employers across Wisconsin continue to face significant workforce challenges while thousands of young people need pathways to education, training and family-sustaining careers," said Seth Lentz, WWDA Chair. "This investment allows Wisconsin's workforce system to strengthen both sides of that equation by connecting talent with opportunity and helping employers build the skilled workforce they need for the future."

The initiative will leverage existing partnerships with employers, educational institutions, workforce boards, the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development, apprenticeship sponsors, community organizations, and criminal justice system partners to create a coordinated statewide approach to workforce development and reentry services. 

Program participants will gain access to industry-recognized credentials, occupational skills training, paid work experiences, certified pre-apprenticeship programs, Registered Apprenticeships, and direct connections to employers in growing sectors of Wisconsin's economy. The initiative also includes comprehensive supportive services designed to help participants successfully complete training and transition into employment. 

Locally, the Workforce Development Board of South Central Wisconsin will lead BRIDGE-WI efforts in Columbia, Dane, Dodge, Jefferson, Marquette and Sauk Counties. “This grant gives the south-central region a direct way to connect young people to real career pathways in high demand industries including manufacturing, construction trades, IT and other growing fields,” added Lentz. “BRIDGE-WI will help open doors for young people who may not otherwise have access to stable and quality jobs they need to build lasting careers right here in Wisconsin. For industry, it means building a pipeline of skilled workers to support their growing business needs.”

The BRIDGE-WI initiative is expected to support stronger employment outcomes, increased credential attainment, expanded apprenticeship participation, and a more resilient workforce pipeline across Wisconsin.

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About Wisconsin Workforce Development Association

WWDA is proud to represent all 11 workforce development boards across Wisconsin. As designated by the Workforce Investment Opportunity Act (WIOA), Workforce Development Boards develop strategies that guide regional efforts in ensuring workers have the skills they need to fill the jobs businesses create, as well as advocate for higher wages for workers, larger profits for businesses and stronger communities for all.