Wisconsin Council on Workforce Investment

Special Innovation Grants

The CWI funded three CWI Special Innovation projects in 2006, each for $100,000.  These projects are supporting pilot projects in use of technology to deliver workforce investment services and expansion of advanced manufacturing training services.  A summary of each project is provided below.

Advanced Manufacturing Efficiency and Productivity Improvement Project

(Racine Area Manufacturers and Commerce and Racine County Workforce Development Center)

The purpose of the project is to increase efficiency and productivity of workers and workplaces in the Southeast region by aligning and integrating the education and training supply chain across workforce development, technical college, UW system and employers. 

Key goals are to (1) increase the number of CNC operators available to employers and share model information across workforce development areas; (2) launch an automated manufacturing resume posting and search service; (3) increase the skills of incumbent workers; and (4) increase number of professional/managers receiving training to improve manufacturing efficiencies.

Regional Distance Learning System

(Workforce Development Board of South Central Wisconsin)

The purpose of the project is to establish a distance learning platform within the South Central Wisconsin region that will broaden access to industry driven education and training for future and incumbent workers. 

Key goals are to (1) implement a new collaboration with the Wisconsin Educational Communication Board (WECB) and (2) to integrate all available distance learning technologies into one training system to support the needs of Job Center customers and Industry Partners.

Technology-Based (Virtual, Internet-Based) Job Center

(Southwest Wisconsin Workforce Development Board)

The purpose of the project is to develop a technology-based workforce delivery system that can be used as an alternative to the current facility-based Job Center. 

The "Virtual" Job Center (VJC) will be through an enhanced web site, accessible from anywhere there is internet access. 

Goals are to (1) improve the service delivery system to employers, workers and job seekers and (2) develop a system that allows access to real-time customer data for use in case management and administrative planning.