Wisconsin Regional Training Program

Local governments can invest in this strategy using State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).

  • This strategy can provide assistance to unemployed workers. The U.S. Department of Treasury has indicated that strategies that help achieve this outcome are eligible for the use of Fiscal Recovery Funds.
  • Investments in this strategy are SLFRF-eligible as long as they are made in qualified census tracts or are designed to assist populations or communities disproportionately impacted by COVID-19.

Program overview

  • Industry-led workforce intermediary provides short-term training, typically 2-8 weeks, along with case management and job placement assistance
  • Aims to increase employment and wages in construction, manufacturing, and health care
Issue Areas
Post-secondary education and workforce development
Outcomes
High-quality employment
Strategies
Sector-specific job training
Job placement services and supports
Target Population
Adults and families
Cost per Participant
Not available

Evidence and impacts

Promising

Wisconsin Regional Training Program is not yet in any of the major clearinghouses, but has demonstrated positive results in an independent, high-quality evaluation conducted by the U.S. Department of Labor

  • Increased earnings by $6,255, on average, over 2 years
  • Program participants were more likely to find work and worked more months than those who did not receive sector-focused training
  • Program participants were significantly more likely to get jobs that offered benefits

Best practices in implementation

  • Note: This content is under review
  • Focus on a single industry or small set of industries, allowing program administrators to develop industry-specific expertise and relationships.
  • Prioritize recruiting and placing candidates who meet basic career matching criteria, especially those who show an interest, aptitude, and basic skills needed to benefit from training in the target industry.
  • Develop a robust, integrated skills training program, including technical skills for the target industry and job-readiness workshops (such as basic English and math skills). Consider partnering with organizations experienced in job readiness training.
  • Maintain flexibility within the program – even the most successful programs made changes to their curricula and target industries after initial implementation.
  • Identify funding sources that allow a broad range of job seekers – such as those who have been justice-involved, on welfare, or are recent immigrants – rather than funding that prioritizes just one group.
  • Incorporate long term KPIs into any measurement of success, as program payoff extends for at least a few years.

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