Celebrating Workforce Development Month: Partnering for a Stronger Future
- jweyers3
- Sep 9
- 5 min read
Each September, organizations across the country recognize Workforce Development Month, a time to highlight the essential role workforce programs play in strengthening our communities and economy.
The observance, created in 2005 by the National Association of Workforce Development Professionals (NAWDP), shines a spotlight on how career development opportunities transform lives. While it was originally celebrated in May, NAWDP officially moved the recognition to September in 2012—giving us a dedicated time to celebrate the progress and partnerships happening right here in South Central Wisconsin.
The Workforce Development Board of South-Central Wisconsin (WDBSCW)
The Workforce Development Board of South-Central Wisconsin (WDBSCW) leads workforce efforts across Dane, Columbia, Dodge, Jefferson, Marquette, and Sauk counties. Their focus is threefold:
Connecting job seekers to training, credentials, and meaningful employment
Supporting employers with talent development
Advancing career pathways in high-demand industries
WDBSCW also administers federal workforce programs, including the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), ensuring equitable access to career opportunities.
A Lasting Partnership with Operation Fresh Start
Operation Fresh Start (OFS) has proudly partnered with WDBSCW for more than 15 years, dating back to 2008. Through funding and program collaboration, WDBSCW has helped OFS youth and young adults gain skills, certifications, and opportunities that launch them into successful careers.
“Our longstanding partnership with Operation Fresh Start exemplifies the collaborative spirit of Workforce Development Month,” shared Seth Lentz, Executive Director for the WDBSCW. “Together, we are committed to equipping youth and young adults with the skills, support, and opportunities necessary to pursue quality employment and build brighter futures across our region.”
This support has included:
Workforce Investment Act (WIA) and WIOA-funded programs
Apprenticeship-focused grants
Career pathway initiatives that open doors in trades, conservation, healthcare, early childhood education, and more
Together, we’ve built bridges for young people to enter high-demand industries and even Registered Apprenticeships.
Integration That Drives Impact
OFS programs such as Legacy, Build Academy, and Conservation Academy are all Certified Pre-Apprenticeships and directly align with WDBSCW’s work-based learning career pathway framework. In addition, OFS staff serve as Career Planners for the WIOA Out-of-School Youth Program—helping participants with:
Career planning
Postsecondary education preparation
Wraparound support service
The results speak volumes:
200+ youth have received occupational training, industry-recognized credentials, work-based learning support, and/or employment in high-demand sectors.
Behind every number is a young person whose life has been transformed. From earning their high school diploma and first industry credential, to securing an apprenticeship or full-time job, OFS participants supported by WDBSCW are not just building careers—they’re building confidence, independence, and brighter futures. Their success ripples outward, strengthening families, employers, and entire communities.
Spotlight: Devin Grob
In 2024, Devin Grob was named AmeriCorps Member of the Year as a YouthBuild participant during his time in Legacy. After earning his diploma and pre-apprenticeship in carpentry, Devin joined Build Academy. By April, he had secured a carpenter apprenticeship with Bauer Builders.
Devin’s supervisors praised his drive and skill: “It was self-evident he’d move up quickly. Bauer Builders got a good one,” said David, his Tier 1 Supervisor. Devin juggled parenting with training, showing determination and grit at every step.
Reflecting on his journey, Devin shared:
“I really like Operation Fresh Start. They gave me a lot, offered a lot, and helped me turn my life around.”
Spotlight: Ja’Myia Rex-Dean
Like Devin, Ja’Myia was also enrolled in Build Academy earlier this year. After earning her OSHA-10, First Aid/CPR certification, driver’s license, and a pre-apprenticeship in carpentry, she was hired by Lake City Glass in May and became the only female glazier in the Madison Area. Balancing parenting, multiple jobs, and the demands of a rigorous pre-apprenticeship program, Ja’Myia impressed everyone she met with her grit, positivity, and determination.
“She carried with her an intrinsic drive and a strong work ethic,” said her Build Academy Supervisor, Jason, noting that commercial site foremen praised her initiative and skill.
Today, she’s building frames and windows—and a future filled with possibility.
“I never thought I’d be in this field as a woman,” Ja’Myia said. “Operation Fresh Start gave me opportunities I never imagined—and I loved every moment of it.”
Her journey is not just about building a career, but about breaking barriers and inspiring the next generation of tradeswomen.
Expanding Opportunities: Early Childhood Education
The partnership also extends into Early Childhood Education, where OFS was fortunate to collaborate with WDBSCW for the first Early Childhood Education CareerPoint cohort.
Becca Collins, Programs Manager at WDBSCW, and Jenny Dahlk, Career Planner for WIOA Title I: Adult & Dislocated Worker at the Employment and Training Association (EATA), along with their team, utilized COVID-19 relief grant funds to create meaningful opportunities for participants.
Through this support, participants were able to:
Gain hands-on paid work experience at Reach Dane
Receive funding to obtain their Introduction to Childcare Profession certification through 4-C’s.
Interview for positions in the early childhood education field.
Several participants were offered employment at Reach Dane following program completion, and all valued the opportunity to gain real-world experience. Many shared that the hands-on learning was their favorite part of the program.
“I feel truly honored and proud to collaborate with such an amazing team who cares deeply about the people in our community,” said Nicole Knox, OFS CareerPoint Program Coordinator. “It was inspiring to witness their eagerness to make a difference and their commitment to offering support every step of the way. I am truly lucky to have had the WDBSCW alongside me, and I look forward to working with them again in the future.”
Looking Ahead Together
The partnership doesn’t stop with the trades or conservation. With WDBSCW’s support, OFS has expanded into healthcare, early childhood education, and other emerging industries that align with our region’s workforce needs. Collaborations with organizations like Madison College, UW Health, Reach Dane, and 4-C ensure that young people are prepared to succeed in diverse career pathways.
“The Workforce Development Board of South-Central Wisconsin has been an invaluable partner in our mission to empower emerging adults,” said Brian McMahon, Executive Director of Operation Fresh Start. “Together, we’re not only opening doors to high-demand careers—we’re creating equitable pathways to long-term success and economic stability for young people across our region.”
At Operation Fresh Start, we believe in the potential of every young person. With the right mentorship, training, and opportunity, they can achieve anything. This Workforce Development Month, we are proud to celebrate the long-standing partnership between OFS and WDBSCW—a collaboration that continues to open doors and create brighter futures.