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Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development's 2023 Annual Report

Tuesday, January 23rd, 2024 -- 12:00 PM

From record-low unemployment to all-time high participation in key workforce programs, the year 2023 delivered historic wins for Wisconsin workers, job seekers, employers, and other stakeholders.

The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD)'s latest annual report showcases the many achievements by DWD and its many partners to support workers and build an economy that works for everyone. Highlights from the 2023 Annual Report include:

  • Record-breaking apprenticeship enrollment:

Wisconsin in November announced a record 16,384 Registered Apprentices and 8,357 Youth Apprentices with 5,719 employer sponsors.

  • Disability employment milestone:

Newly published federal data showed a record 178,337 working-age individuals with disabilities found employment in Wisconsin, emphasizing inclusivity in the workforce.

  • Customer service modernization:

DWD continued the unprecedented, multi-year modernization of its Unemployment Insurance (UI) system, and its Equal Rights Division introduced an online work permit application system for younger workers and an online case portal.

  • Another decline in worker's compensation premiums:

The eighth straight decline in worker's compensation insurance rates, with the latest decline of 8.4% resulting in annual savings of $148 million for Wisconsin employers.

  • Workforce Solutions Initiative milestone:

Gov. Evers' historic $158 million Workforce Solutions Initiative reached a significant milestone, having delivered workforce training and support services to over 33,000 Wisconsin residents.

  • Record-low unemployment:

Wisconsin's unemployment rate reached an all-time low of 2.4% and a record low 73,000 unemployed workers in April. In addition, Wisconsin's labor force was 80,000 higher in December 2023 than it was in December 2022, and the state's labor force participation rate remained consistently above the national average throughout the year.

The full 2023 Annual Report is available on the DWD website.

Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.