worker advancement initiative (WAI)
As part of a statewide multifaceted Worker Advancement Initiative (WAI), Forward Careers is seeking individuals with limited and/or nontraditional work histories to place into successful paid internships and on-the-job training opportunities.
Training Services
-
Career Guidance and Job Readiness
-
Placement into Paid Internships earning no less than $15.00 per hour
-
Placement into On-the-Job Training Opportunities with local employers
-
Supportive Services (i.e. transportation, work items, etc.)
-
Cash Incentive Payments
Eligibility
For the purpose of the Worker Advancement Initiative, an individual will be eligible if they meet the following criteria:
-
Is 17 years of age or older;
-
Are eligible to work in the United States; and
-
Can demonstrate one or more of the following:
-
No work history;
-
Less than 12 months of career goal-related relevant work history;
-
A demonstrated pattern of frequent “job hopping”;
-
A work history that lacks a clear career goal (e.g., work history spans multiple occupations and/or sectors);
-
Limited tenure of no more than 12 months at any job; and/or
-
The last day worked at the most recent job was at least 6 months ago.
-
Click below to learn more about the WAI internship and OJT programs.
accelerate your career with a paid internship
As an undergrad or entry-level professional with no or minimal work history, you can join a network of influential leaders looking to accelerate their careers through a paid internship. We have relationships with small to mid- and large-size employers across all industries that are seeking outstanding individuals to join their teams.
We provide career assessments, learn about your goals and interests, and then start matching you to an internship program where you can excel and make an impact. You can even tell us the employer you want an internship with and we will work our magic to make it happen!
BENEFITS
-
Put your knowledge to the test in a live environment;
-
Gain skills that propel you forward;
-
Increase professional development skills;
-
Expand your professional network;
-
At minimum, earn $15 per hour;
-
Receive work related supports such as transportation assistance and tools; and
-
Receive cash incentive payments upon completion of set milestones.
PROGRAM
-
Interns can work up to 40 hours per week for a maximum of 350 hours;
-
Once matched, the employer can hire individuals directly;
-
Interns are paid directly by the employer and we reimburse the employer upon completion of the internship program; and
-
We monitor the internship by checking in with individuals on experience, progress and to assist in any areas, as needed.
BOOST YOUR SKILLS THROUGH AN ON-THE-JOB TRAINING
If you are unemployed, underemployed, have no or minimal work history and are interested in gaining skills through an On-the-Job Training program, we are here for you!
OJT offers the opportunity to learn new skills while earning a paycheck. Let us help you put your skills to good use by connecting you to hiring employers in a field of your interest and meets your financial needs.
Our OJT program is an efficient way to move unemployed workers more quickly into jobs and provide them with transferable skills and a cost effective way to help local employers develop and retain the workers that they need.
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
-
Employer directly hires candidates;
-
Earn while you learn;
-
Learn about Registered Apprenticeship opportunities;
-
Receive job coaching while in training;
-
Receive work related supports such as transportation assistance and tools; and
-
Receive cash incentive payments upon completion of set milestones.
EMPLOYER BENEFITS
-
Reduce the cost of hiring and training;
-
Obtain pre-screened applicants for your position - you decide who to hire;
-
On average, receive a $3,500 training reimbursement for a percentage of the wages during the pre-agreed training period. Reimbursement rate is based on the size of your business, wage and complexity of the job.
Employers interested in learning more about the OJT or Internship programs, please contact your representative below.
Business Solutions Team Members
Business Solutions Rep
Liz Sarkissian
Territory Area: Butler, Brookfield, Elm Grove, Waukesha
Business Solutions Rep
Giovanni Cataldo
Territory Area: Big Bend, Delafield, Dousman, Eagle, Genesee Depot, Hartland, Lannon, Menomonee Falls, Merton, Mukwonago, Muskego, Nashotah, New Berlin, North Lake
North Prairie, Oconomowoc, Okauchee, Pewaukee, Sussex, Wales
Business Solutions Rep
Karen Cameron
Territory Area: Addison, Belgium, Cedarburg, Colgate, Fredonia, Germantown, Grafton, Hartford, Hubertus Jackson, Kewaskum, Mequon, Newburg, Port Washington, Richfield, Saukville, Slinger, West Bend