Job Readiness and Training

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YWeb Career Academy (YWeb) updated 4/30/25

https://www.ywcamadison.org/yweb-career-academy

Phone: (608) 257-1436

Address: 101 E Mifflin Street, Suite 100, Madison, WI 53703

About this resource: YWeb Career Academy (YWeb) is a 3 month employment service program that trains women and people of color to become web developers/designers. Participants will receive a Study Grant Payment of $15/hr for the time they dedicate to the class. The goal of the YWeb Career Academy is to increase diversity in this area of employment. Upon completion of the course, students will have opportunities to pursue full-time permanent employment, a paid internship, or a freelance career.

Who can use this resource: Individuals must be 18 years old or older, identify as a women or person of color, and is highly motivated towards success in the program.

Next steps:

Fill out and submit an application here: https://www.ywcamadison.org/yweb-career-academy-application
Call (608) 257-1436 to learn more!

Goodman Nursing Assistant Program Scholarship- Madison College updated 4/30/25

Email: southscholarships@madisoncollege.edu

About this resource: The Goodman Foundation offers a limited number of scholarships to students who participate in a nursing assistant class at the Goodman South Campus location to pay for the full cost of the program.

Who can use this resource? Scholarships will be considered for those with financial need (enrolled in BadgerCare, Food Share, or can proof income at or below the Federal Poverty Line) or those belonging to an ethnic/racial underrepresented group

Next Steps:

Email southscholarships@madisoncollege.edu to explain your situation and ask for the scholarship application

https://madisoncollege.edu/academics/programs/nursing-assistant

Catholic Multicultural Center- Culinary Creations updated 4/30/25

https://cmcmadison.org/food-service-training/

Phone: (608) 278-1615

About this resource: Culinary Creations is a program created by the Catholic Multicultural Center that offers food service job training for individuals facing barriers to employment, including limited English proficiency. Participants gain skills and employment history by working on a small team to prepare fresh, quality school lunches and other catered food services. Over time, trainees will gain the skills, work history, and confidence needed to present themselves to an employer and a capable and qualified candidate.

Culinary Creations offers:

Paid, on-the-job training
Hands-on work experience
Food safety certification
One academic year of training in small cohorts

Who can use this resource? Individuals facing barriers to employment who are interested in working in the culinary field.

Next Steps:

Contact Lynn Heiman at (608) 278-1615 for more information on how to apply.

** The application process includes a paper application, interview, and background check (previous convictions do not necessarily preclude admission). **

Literacy Network updated 4/30/25

http://www.litnetwork.org/for-learners/

Phone: (608) 244-3911

Address: 701 Dane Street, Madison, WI 53713

Hours: Monday-Thursday 9am-8pm, Friday 9am-1pm(only available by phone and email)

About this resource: The Literacy Network offers literacy services including:

Learning English
Preparing for citizenship tests
GED preparation
Reading and writing
application help for Madison College

Who can use this resource? Anyone!

Next Steps:

Call (608) 244-3911 or visit the site to address your personal literacy needs

Urban League of Greater Madison updated 4/30/25

https://ulgm.org/employment-programs/for-job-seekers/

Phone: (608) 729-1200 OR (608) 620-8417

Address: 2222 S. Park St, Suite 200, Madison, WI 53713

Hours: Monday-Friday 9am-5pm

About this resource: The Urban League of Greater Madison offers several programs that help individuals prepare for employment and find employment opportunities. These include Job Readiness Services, Accelerated Career Academies, and the Fatherhood Responsibility Club.

Who can use this resource? Need to fill out an application to determine eligibility for these programs.

Next Steps:

Fill out the application link to determine eligibility for a membership to the Urban League of Greater Madison.
- https://ulgm.org/employment-programs/application/
- NOTE: You will need to include a current resume OR provide information on your two most recent employers.
If you have any other questions or are unable to fill out the online application, call (608)729-1200 for assistance

WISE (Wisconsin Senior Employment Program) updated 4/30/25

https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/wise/index.htm

Phone: 608-228-8093 (for WISE Program Coordinator in Dane County)

Address:

Dane County Job Center

1819 Aberg Ave.

Madison, WI 53704

About this resource: The WISE program is an employment training program for low-income, unemployed individuals age 55 years and older. Eligible participants are closely matched with their personal goals and placed in a position in community service (not-for-profit or government agencies) for approximately 20 hours per week. Participants receive the Wisconsin minimum wage of $7.25 per hour. Other job-related training may consist of upgrading existing skills, developing new skills, limited educational opportunities, job counseling and assistance in finding and keeping a job.

Who can use this resource? Must be a legal resident of Wisconsin, 55 years and older, unemployed, and have a limited income at no more than 125% of the federal poverty level.

Next Steps:

Contact the Dane County WISE Coordinator, Sonya Lindquist, at (608)228-8093 or slindquist@eata.org to see if you are eligible or if you have any questions about WISE.

Operation Fresh Start updated 4/30/25

http://www.operationfreshstart.org/

Phone: (608) 244-4721

Address: 2670 Milwaukee St, Madison, WI 53704

Hours: Monday-Thursday 7:15am-5:15pm

About this resource: Operation Fresh Start offers a variety of resources to teens and young adults who are entering the workforce, including:

Career counseling
Paid construction job training
Paid conservation job training
Mentorship for high school students
GED preparation courses
Free driver's license education
Mentorship for those coming out of juvenile detention/jail

Who can use this resource? You must be 16-24 and be able to regularly attend training/mentorship programs

Next Steps:

Call (608) 244- 4721, visit the website, or visit the address listed above during business hours to learn more!

HIRE Initiative updated 4/30/25

https://www.unitedwaydanecounty.org/get-help/hire/

Phone: (608) 246-4350

Address: 2059 Atwood Avenue, Madison, WI 53704

Hours: Monday-Friday 8am-4:30pm

About this resource: The HIRE Initiative is a partnership of United Way of Dane County that provides free guidance on helping adults find and keep steady employment. HIRE Initiative is also able to offer childcare subsidies, housing funds, and small loans as individuals work towards securing employment.

Who can use this resource? Anyone over 18 years old residing in Dane County

Next Steps:

- Call (608) 246-4350, visit the address above during business hours, or email Bill.Clingan@uwdc.org for more info!

The Hmong Institute updated 4/30/25

https://thehmonginstitute.org/programs/

Phone: (608) 692-8918

Address: 4402 Femrite Drive, Madison, WI 53716

Hours: Monday-Friday 8am-4pm

About this resource: The Hmong Institute provides various programs in community building, health, wellness, and education for Hmong residents in the Dane County area. Specifically, The Hmong Institute provides education programs (often with scholarship opportunity) that pair you with a case manager to discuss employment options.

Who can use this resource? Anyone of any age who identifies as Hmong or Southeast Asian

Next Steps:

- Call (608) 692-8918, visit the address above during business hours, or email info@theHmongInstitute.org for more info!

Workforce Development Board of South Central Wisconsin updated 4/30/25

https://www.wdbscw.org/

Phone: (608) 249-9001

Address: 3513 Anderson St, Suite 104, Madison, WI 53704

Hours: Monday-Friday 8am-4:30pm

About this resource: WDBSCW offers a variety of resources in job-seeking, re-entry services after incarceration, and resources to use when individuals are laid off. WDBSCW also offers paid training in careers in early childhood education or childcare fields, healthcare apprenticeships (nursing, medical assisting, respiratory therapy, and surgical technicians) and biotechnology.

Who can use this resource? Specific programs require specific requirements (will need to call to find out eligibility)

Next Steps:

- Call (608) 249-9001, visit the website, or visit the address above during business hours for more info!