Have you been recently laid off? Are you unemployed and need immediate assistance in finding a job? We can help!

We are also proud to help veterans, displaced homemakers, low-income, or underemployed adults navigate their career path. Our staff can lead you to the tools and resources that enable you to improve your employment situation. 

  • Overview

    The WorkSmart Network is a team supported by the Workforce Development Board that specializes in preparing workers for the needs of business and industry.

    Services offered to those meeting eligibility requirements include:

    • Career exploration and planning
    • Guidance on college resources and services
    • Job search strategies
    • Resume and cover letter support
    • Extended follow-up during employment
    • Possible financial assistance with training and supportive services

    Training Navigators are looking for motivated students who are committed to training and finding work in their field upon graduation.

    WorkSmart Network Team
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    To determine whether this program is a good fit for you, complete the interest form. Training Navigators are looking for motivated students who are committed to training and finding work in their field upon graduation.

    Worksmart Interest Form

  • Am I Eligible?

    To receive services, you must be eligible to work in the U.S. and, if you are a male applicant, you will need to be registered for Selective Service.

    Additionally, you must fall into one of the following categories:

    1. Adult (18+ years of age) qualifying as income-eligible or receiving public assistance. Public assistance examples such as: Foodshare, Wisconsin Works, and BadgerCare.
    2. A dislocated worker who has been laid off or received notification of termination or layoff from employment because of:
      • A permanent closure or substantial layoff.
      • You were self-employed but is unemployed because of general economic conditions in the community or because of a natural disaster.
      • A displaced homemaker who is no longer supported by another family member, spouse of an eligible armed forces member, or separated service member with a discharge other than dishonorable who has received a notice of separation from the Department of Defense. They must be unlikely to return to a previous industry or occupation and was/is eligible for unemployment compensation.
    3. Eligible out-of-school individual between the ages of 16 and 24, not attending any school, low-income and faced one or more of the following challenges to successful workforce entry:
      • Did not complete high school diploma.
      • Possesses academic basic skills needs and/or English language learner.
      • Homeless, runaway, or foster child.
      • Pregnant and/or a parent, and/or single parent.
      • Subject to the juvenile or adult justice system.
    4. Individual with a disability. Eligible in-school youth must be attending any school (as defined by state law), not younger than age 14 or older than age 21, low-income individual, and faces the previously listed challenges to successful workforce entry (see above).
  • Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

    What is WIOA?

    The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) provides funds for the WorkSmart Network to address the employment and training needs of dislocated workers, income-eligible adults, and youth.

    Is funding available for training costs or supportive services?

    Funding may be available for tuition and/or textbooks for qualified participants, but it is not guaranteed. Resources may also be available for supportive services such as transportation costs (such as bus passes), childcare and pre-approved work-related equipment and/or clothing. Your potential support options will be discussed with your Training Navigator.

    Are programs and services through the WorkSmart Network considered entitlement programs?

    No, programs and services through the WorkSmart Network are not entitlement programs. This is a federally funded program in place to assist individuals with training and employment needs in a timely manner. Your Training Navigator will work with you to ensure you are a good fit for services and opportunities through the WorkSmart Network.

    Which locations serve the WorkSmart Network?

    Truax Campus | 608.243.4598

    Fort Atkinson Campus | 920.568.7200

    Watertown Campus | 920.206.8000

    Portage Campus | 608.745.3100

    Reedsburg Campus | 608.524.7800

    Please call the location you wish to contact. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.

    What do I need for my first appointment?

    We recommend bringing your driver's license, social security card, and/or documentation verifying your authorization to work in the U.S. If you are a dislocated worker, please bring your termination or layoff notice and documentation of Unemployment Insurance (UI) eligibility (i.e. benefits summary). If you are qualified as an adult, please bring documentation (such as pay stubs or tax records) of your last six months of income to determine income eligibility.

    What if I am not interested in long-term training?

    If you are not interested in long-terming training of three months or more, the Training Navigators will make referrals to Employment Specialists in the community who can assist with your employment needs.

    What if I no longer wish to follow up with a Training Navigator once I am employed?

    By participating within the WorkSmart Network, you agree to maintain monthly contact with your Training Navigator through employment follow-up as well as follow-up for up to a year, as indicated within the WorkSmart Network Program's rights and responsibilities.

Additional Information

The Workforce Development Board of South Central Wisconsin and WorkSmart Network are equal opportunity employers and program service providers. If you need this information or printed material in an alternative format or in a different language (any of these free of charge), please contact us at 608.249.9001. Deaf, hard of hearing or speech impaired callers may contact us through Wisconsin Relay Services at 7-1-1. Proud partners of the American Job Center network. This workforce product was funded by a grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration. The product was created by the recipient and does not necessarily reflect the official position of the U.S. Department of Labor. The Department of Labor makes no guarantees, warranties, or assurances of any kind, express or implied, with respect to such information, including any information on linked sites and including, but not limited to, accuracy of the information or its completeness, timeliness, usefulness, adequacy, continued availability, or ownership. This product is copyrighted by the institution that created it.

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