Wisconsin DWD News

January Local Employment and Unemployment Data Released

Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development released BLS estimates of employment and unemployment statistics for metropolitan areas, municipalities, and counties in Wisconsin for January 2026. Unemployment rates increased in all 13 metropolitan areas, all 35 largest cities, and all 72 counties compared to the prior month.

Wisconsin January 2026 Unemployment Rate Statistics

The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development released January 2026 preliminary employment statistics from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The state's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate rose to 3.3%, up 0.3 percentage points from December, though remaining 1.0 percentage points below the national rate of 4.3%. Total employment reached 3,017,400 with a labor force participation rate of 64.3%.

Worker Training Grants Program

Wisconsin DWD announces approximately $1 million in Wisconsin Fast Forward grants available to employers of all sizes and sectors. Grants range from $5,000 to $400,000+ and reimburse costs of customized occupational training for unemployed, underemployed, and existing workers. Applications are due 3 p.m. CST on May 4, 2026.

Wisconsin DWD Offers $1 Million in Teacher Training Grants

The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD) has announced $1 million in grants available through the Teacher Training and Recruitment Grant program. Qualified nonprofit organizations can apply for up to $250,000 to train and recruit teachers in areas with shortages.

Wisconsin Celebrates Career and Technical Education Month

The Wisconsin Departments of Workforce Development (DWD) and Financial Institutions (DFI) are celebrating Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month in February 2026. Governor Tony Evers proclaimed the month to highlight the importance of CTE in preparing students for postsecondary education and high-demand careers.

Wisconsin Announces Record 2025 Registered Apprentice Participation

The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development announced record participation in its Registered Apprenticeship Program for 2025, with over 18,500 apprentices and 3,095 employers. This marks the fourth consecutive year of record growth, with new programs launched in healthcare and education sectors.

Wisconsin Announces $7.3M AI and Manufacturing Training Grants

The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD) has received $7.3 million in federal grant funding to establish the WisTRAIN program. This initiative will provide employer-driven training grants focused on advanced manufacturing and artificial intelligence sectors to address workforce gaps.

2025 Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund Financial Summary

The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD) released the 2025 Financial Summary of the Unemployment Insurance (UI) Trust Fund. The report indicates a fund balance exceeding $2.1 billion and highlights that employers saved an estimated $50.5 million in UI taxes in 2025 due to decreased tax rates.