10/08/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/08/2024 09:23
Tony Evers, Governor
Amy Pechacek, Secretary
Department of Workforce Development
Secretary's Office
201 E. Washington Avenue
P.O. Box 7946
Madison, WI 53707-7946
Telephone: (608) 266-3131
Fax: (608) 266-1784
Email: [email protected]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 8, 2024
CONTACT: DWD Communications
[email protected]
MADISON - Agriculture in Wisconsin continues to contribute more than $100 billion to the state's economy each year, and the Wisconsin Agricultural Education and Workforce Development Council's (WAEWDC) newly published 2024 annual report highlights the efforts to continue future growth.
The report, which was recently approved by the council and is published by the Department of Workforce Development (DWD), addresses the need for a strong and highly trained workforce that can manage the increasingly technologically advanced agriculture systems that are emerging in the industry.
"To attract young talent, we need to promote employment opportunities and work with partners to develop career pathways that maintain a thriving agricultural sector, which accounts for nearly 12% of the state's employment," DWD Secretary and WAEWDC Executive Committee member Amy Pechacek said. "These recommendations will continue to strengthen Wisconsin's agricultural workforce for the 21st century and beyond."
"This council brings together leaders from agribusinesses, government agencies, and educational institutions who are committed to strengthening agricultural education and building our skilled workforce," said Randy Romanski, Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) and another Executive Committee member on the council. "I am pleased that the council has important discussions related to supporting agricultural educators, promoting the hundreds of agricultural career possibilities, and considering the agricultural industry's future workforce needs, and I look forward to their continued work on these efforts."
The WAEWDC annual report includes reviews of agricultural education programs provided by Wisconsin's educational systems and institutions, including: the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI), Wisconsin Technical College System, University of Wisconsin System, and UW-Madison's Division of Extension. It also includes details on the goals and activities of the WAEWDC during state fiscal year 2024. By working with educators and employers to attract and retain employees, the council is supporting the next generation of agriculturists.
The report highlights the council's progress on previously set goals as well as new goals that were set in 2023, which include:
The WAEWDC 2024 annual report is available online.
Wisconsin's Department of Workforce Development efficiently delivers effective and inclusive services to meet Wisconsin's diverse workforce needs now and for the future. The department advocates for and invests in the protection and economic advancement of all Wisconsin workers, employers, and job seekers through six divisions - Employment and Training, Vocational Rehabilitation, Unemployment Insurance, Equal Rights, Worker's Compensation, and Administrative Services. To keep up with DWD announcements and information, sign up for news releases and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube.