Programs for Adults

Adult Basic Education (WIOA Title II): Are you interested in going back to school to get your GED/HSED? Your local technical colleges offer career readiness programs to help.  You may also be able to begin training in a job specific technical education program at the same time. The local technical colleges in the Waukesha, Ozaukee, Washington area have instructors, classes, and resources to guide you on a path to success.

Waukesha County Technical College- https://www.wctc.edu/academics/programs-courses/high-school-completion/hsed.php

Moraine Park Technical College -https://www.morainepark.edu/academics/other-academic-resources/ged-and-basic-education/ged-hsed/

Milwaukee Area Technical College- https://www.matc.edu/student/offerings/precollege/ged.cfm

Adult & Dislocated Worker (WIOA Title I): The Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act (WIOA) Adult and Dislocated Worker programs are designed to provide career, training, and supportive services to eligible individuals aged 18 and older.

Career Planners will work with you to develop and achieve short and long term career plans.  Choosing the right career path begins with exploring occupations which lead to self-sustaining wages. Careers Planners will help you advance your skills, earn your GED/HSED, learn while working, or attend post-secondary school.   Eligible individuals may also receive supportive service such as childcare and transportation assistance.​

*Limited funding available and provided on a case-by-case basis; eligibility requirements do apply.

This program is provided by Forward Careers, Inc.  https://www.forwardcareers.org/career-seekers

Apprenticeship: Apprenticeship is post-secondary education like from a college or university. Apprentices learn on the job while working in a career job with excellent wage potential.  Classroom instruction is provided to support the learning at your job.   If you choose this path, you will receive most of your training on-the-job, while working for an employer who pays a good wage.  Finding a job with an employer who offers apprentices is the primary requirement.  In other words, a job must exist in order for you to be trained. For more information on Apprenticeship:

This program is provided by DWD
https://dwd.wisconsin.gov/apprenticeship/

Career Services through the Wisconsin Technical College System:  Your local technical colleges have career departments to help you plan your future and build your career.  The following are links to our local colleges:

Waukesha County Technical College - https://www.wctc.edu/campus-life/career-connections/index.php

Moraine Park Technical College - https://www.morainepark.edu/experience-mptc/student-resources/career-center/

Milwaukee Area Technical College - https://www.matc.edu/employer-services-resources/for-students/career-services/career-coaching.html

DVR Services (WIOA Title IV) State of Wisconsin, Department of Workforce Development, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, known as “DVR” assists individuals with disabilities who want to work but need help.  You could be eligible if you have a disability that is preventing you from getting or keeping a job that uses your skills and abilities, and services offered by DVR could help you reach your job goal. 

This program is provided by State of Wisconsin, Department of Workforce Development.

English Language Learner (WIOA Title II) if your native language is a language other than English, your local technical college offers courses to prepare you for college-level coursework in English. Day and night options are available and you will receive instructor and computer-assisted instruction to help you function in the community, your workplace, and higher education.  Registration is a first step and there is no cost to you for the services. There may be a waiting list. Contact your local college to get started!

Waukesha County Technical College
https://www.wctc.edu/academics/programs-courses/english-as-a-second-language.php
ESL: College and Career Readiness
(262) 695-6521

Moraine Park Technical College
https://www.morainepark.edu/academics/other-academic-resources/english-language-learners/
English Language Learners
(262) 306-5302

Milwaukee Area Technical College
https://eslmequon.wixsite.com/mysite
ESL Program
(262) 238-2364 (Mequon Campus)

These programs are provided by the Wisconsin Technical College System

FoodShare Employment and Training-FSET (SNAP) If you are receiving FoodShare, Wisconsin’s FoodShare Employment and Training (FSET) program can help you gain the skills, training, and experience needed to get a job, or get a better job.  This program can help with costs associated with transportation and work supplies such as boots, uniforms, and tools…  Short term training is offered in skills that have immediate job demand such as Forklift Driver. 

Information on the FSET program:  https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/fset/index.htm  

If you are not receiving Foodshare, but are in need of help, first apply for Foodshare through https://www.access.wi.gov  then request a referral to the FSET program. 

Foodshare Employment and Training is provided by Equus, a national leader in workforce services featuring:

RoadMaps to Success: Equus proprietary workforce training curriculum is being used in hundreds of Career Centers throughout the nation to help turn employment dreams into reality for thousands of eager clients. The 10-session curriculum was designed by our team of certifies trainers, policy experts and workforce professionals.

Equus Academy: Equus clients have 24 hour access to this propriety online training platform that offers more than 4,000 courses, which can be used for GED preparation and credential earned training tin more than 100 industries.

Personalized Services Offered: Resume writing, referrals for professional attire (Dress for Success), employment counseling, vocational assessments, and Talent Market (Equus proprietary job matching application) offers additional employment support.

https://equusworks.com/

Native American Workforce Services (WIOA Title) Spotted Eagle, Inc. provides comprehensive employment and training services to the off-reservation American Indian community. In the Spotted Eagle Resource Center you have access to a computer lab, free printing, faxing and phones. You can receive One-on-one career counseling; Resume writing/updating, Cover letter creation Internet, and job search assistance plus so much more. For more information, visit: https://www.spottedeagle.us/about-us.html

Re-Entry: If you were incarcerated or involved in the justice system, the following programs are available to help with your employment and future!

Windows to Work Program:  The Windows to Work Program is a voluntary re-entry program designed to help individuals transition from incarceration back to the community successfully. This program provides pre- and post-release services and promotes self-sufficiency through skill development and cognitive behavioral training. Eligibility: Assessed by P.O. and COMPAS recommended supervision level of medium, medium with override consideration, or high; On DCC supervision for at least 1 year from enrollment date; Unemployed at the time of enrollment; Must be able to work (not collecting or applying for SSI); Reside in Waukesha, Ozaukee or Washington County.

This program is offered by Forward Careers, Inc.  Click here for more information https://www.forwardcareers.org/career-seekers

Department of Corrections Community Employment Program: CCEP offers employment and training support to people currently supervised by the Department of Corrections. Ask your agent for a referral to this helpful program! 

This program is offered by State of Wisconsin Department of Corrections:  To participate in the program request a referral from you probation and parole agent.

St. Vincent Jail Ministry St. Dismas Vincent Jail Ministry meets the spiritual and physical needs of the men and women of the Waukesha County Jail and Huber facility. One-on-one jail visits are central to the ministry, St Dismas Jail Ministry members provide numerous other services; support Services at the Waukesha County Jail and Huber Facility, After Release – Jail Ministry Aftercare Program, Men’s Aftercare Group ~ Hope Upon Release, and Women’s Aftercare Group ~ Joyful Souls Arising.

This Program is provided by St. Vincent. For more information, visit: https://stvincentwaukesha.org/index.php/programs/jail-ministry  To contact the St. DismasJail Ministry Office, call (262) 547-2726

Veterans Services Veterans receive priority services! If you are a veteran, thanks for serving.  The following services are available to you.

Visit WiscJobsforVets to learn more about programs, employment opportunities, and discover how Wisconsin is helping veterans at: https://dwd.wisconsin.gov/veterans/ . You can also visit their success stories page to discover how their services are helping veterans every month.

Businesses that support veterans in the workplace can be found through the Vets Ready Employer Initiative.  These employers prioritize hiring veterans.

If you are an employer, contact your local LVER to connect to the talent pool of Veteran’s available to help your business prosper.

Wisconsin Technical College System:  Attending a technical college program is a great way to ensure your education will lead to a job in the current economy.  If you are interested in a four year degree, it is also a way to save money for the first part of your education, since you can transfer to a university after starting with a technical college program. Certificates and credentials can enhance your current skill set or start you on a career path.  Keep learning and you will keep earning. Stay marketable! The following links will take you to the technical colleges in the Waukesha, Ozaukee, Washington area.

Waukesha County Technical College- https://www.wctc.edu/

Moraine Park Technical College- https://www.morainepark.edu/

Milwaukee Area Technical College- http://www.matc.edu/about/campuses/mequon/index.cfm

Wisconsin Works-W2 (TANF) If you do not have enough money to pay your bills and you need help finding and keeping a job or help applying for SSI, you may be eligible for the Wisconsin Works (W-2) program. You may also be eligible for monthly cash payments while you work with the W-2 program to look for a job or do other activities that will help you get a job or SSI. W-2 offers:

https://dcf.wisconsin.gov/w2/parents/w2

W2 Emergency Assistance Grant

Emergency Assistance is a one-time payment that can help you pay for emergency housing or utility-related expenses if you are a low-income parent. https://dcf.wisconsin.gov/ea

 This program is provided by Wisconsin Works is provided by Equus, a national leader in workforce services featuring:

Equus Career Accelerate: Equus proprietary workforce training curriculum is being used in hundreds of Career Centers throughout the nation to help turn employment dreams into reality for thousands of eager clients. The 5-session curriculum was designed by our team of certified trainers, policy experts and workforce professionals.

Equus Academy: Equus clients have 24 hour access to this propriety online training platform that offers more than 4,000 courses, which can be used for GED preparation and credential earned training in more than 100 industries.

Personalized Services Offered: Resume writing, referrals for professional attire (Dress for Success), employment counseling, vocational assessments, and Talent Market (Equus proprietary job matching application) offers additional employment support.

https://equusworks.com/

55+: Programs for senior workers

If you’re 55+ and are in need of work placement to pay your bills GWAAR and SCSEP have the resources to help you. People 55+ can learn new skills from these organizations through community service and work-based training programs.  

Program provided by GWAAR https://gwaar.org/

Program provided by SCSEP https://ser-national.org/scsep-2/