Workforce Development Center

What Workforce Development Center does

Workforce Development Center (legal name: WOW Workforce Development System) operates the WOW Works American Job Center Community Network (AJCCN), a publicly funded workforce development system serving Waukesha, Ozaukee, Washington, and Jefferson Counties in southeastern Wisconsin. Authorized under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) as one of Wisconsin's eleven regional Workforce Development Boards, the organization delivers free career planning, job search assistance, training coordination, and supportive services (transportation, childcare, work supplies) to job seekers aged 14 and above, alongside recruitment support, hiring events, On-the-Job Training, and labor market information for employers. It is governed by a partnership model coordinated through the WOW Works Workforce Development Board, with Waukesha County government and the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development as the primary public sponsors.

Service delivery operates through three core physical locations — the Waukesha American Job Center (main hub at 2607 N. Grandview Blvd.), the West Bend satellite at Moraine Park Technical College, and the Jefferson Workforce Development Center — supplemented by 20+ partner agency sites including Forward Careers, the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, Veterans Employment Services, three technical colleges (WCTC, MPTC, MATC), two library systems (Bridges, Monarch), three county economic development organizations, and community action agencies. The product portfolio spans 15+ distinct programs including Job Seeker Services, Employer Services, Hiring Events & Job Fairs, Young Adult Programs (ages 14-24), Dislocated Worker Program, Adult Career Services, Apprenticeship Programs, On-the-Job Training, Incumbent Worker Training, Wisconsin Fast Forward Grants, Vocational Rehabilitation, Veterans Services, Re-Entry Services, SCSEP for older workers, and Skills to Build in Advanced Manufacturing. No proprietary technology platform exists; service matching and case management are conducted by human career planners and job service navigators using the statewide Job Center of Wisconsin job board.

Revenue is derived entirely from federal WIOA Title I workforce development funds administered through Wisconsin's Department of Workforce Development and local workforce development board appropriations, plus state workforce development allocations. All services are provided at no charge to job seekers and employers — there is no commercial revenue model, no pricing tiers, no transaction fees, and no investor ownership structure. The organization is a government entity, not a privately held company, and accordingly has no funding rounds, no M&A history, no venture capital involvement, and operates under public-sector regulatory and compliance frameworks including federal non-discrimination requirements under WIOA Title I.

Name

Workforce Development Center

Legal name

WOW Workforce Development System

Website

https://wfdc.org

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Workforce Development Center operates the WOW Works American Job Center Community Network, a publicly funded WIOA-authorized system providing free job seeker and employer services across Waukesha, Ozaukee, Washington, and Jefferson Counties in Wisconsin.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Workforce Development Services

NAICS

Employment Services (5613), Vocational Rehabilitation Services (6243), Educational Support Services (611710), Apprenticeship Training (611513)

SIC

Services-Employment Agencies (7361), Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Public Workforce Development Programs (WIOA/One-Stop Career Centers) (EDAAAOAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Workforce Development, Employment Readiness & Job Placement (BPADAKAE), Workforce & Job-Seeker Services (Community-Based) (EDAAAFAM), Incumbent Worker Training & Upskilling (EDAAAOAE), Apprenticeships, Internships & Work-Based Learning Programs (BPACANAK)

Keywords

• Workforce development services
• Job placement assistance
• Career training programs
• Apprenticeship programs
• Employer recruitment services

Headquarters

HQ city

Waukesha

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Public Workforce Development Services: The organization operates as a publicly funded workforce development system under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). Services are provided at no cost to job seekers and employers. Funding is derived from federal workforce development funds administered through Wisconsin's Department of Workforce Development and local workforce development boards.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

The Workforce Development Center operates as part of the WOW Works American Job Center Community Network, delivering publicly funded workforce development services in Waukesha, Ozaukee, and Washington counties in Wisconsin. It provides career planning, job search assistance, training scholarships, work-based learning, and employer recruitment support through a coordinated network of partners, including services for veterans, dislocated workers, young adults, and individuals re-entering the workforce.

Product overview

Workforce Development System, American Job Center (WOW Works American Job Center Community Network) operates as a partnership of workforce development services providing a unified platform of job seeker and employer programs. The core offerings include job seeker services (career planning, training, job search assistance), employer services (recruitment, hiring events, workforce training), and specialized programs (apprenticeship, dislocated worker support, veteran services, youth programs). The organization does not function as a software product but rather as a network of coordinated workforce development services delivered through in-person centers, virtual sessions, and partner organizations.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Job Seeker Services
• Employer Services Talent recruitment, job posting, hiring events, financial incentives, and workforce consulting for employers in the WOW region.
• Young Adult Programs Career exploration, work-readiness training, and educational support services for youth and young adults.
• Skills to Build in Advanced Manufacturing Industry-targeted training program focused on advanced manufacturing career pathways and skill development.
• Dislocated Worker Program Employment reentry services for workers who have been laid off or displaced, including career transition support and retraining.
• Apprenticeship Programs Registered apprenticeship pathways connecting job seekers with earn-while-you-learn opportunities in skilled trades and industries.
• On-the-Job Training (OJT) Employer-reimbursable training program where new hires are trained on the job, with partial wage reimbursement to the employer.
• Incumbent Worker Training Training and upskilling services for currently employed workers to help employers retain and develop talent.
• Wisconsin Fast Forward Grants State grant-funded training programs that help employers upskill their workforce in high-demand fields.
• Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) Vocational rehabilitation services for individuals with disabilities, provided through Wisconsin's Division of Vocational Rehabilitation.
• Veterans Services Priority career and employment services tailored to U.S. military veterans.
• Re-Entry Services Employment support and workforce reentry services for individuals returning from incarceration or other transitions.
• Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) Subsidized part-time employment and training program for low-income older adults, administered by SER National in the region.
• Hiring Events & Job Fairs Coordinated hiring events, job fairs, and recruiter meet-and-greets connecting local employers with job seekers.

Quantifiable outcome

• Earn while you learn through apprenticeship, on-the-job training, internships, and paid work experiences
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers11 records

Segments8 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

20 partnerships are on record, tiered core and secondary.

• Department of Workforce Development - Job ServicecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWisconsin's Department of Workforce Development Job Service provides the state's largest job listing through Job Center of Wisconsin. Job Service representatives are located at the Waukesha American Job Center, West Bend Workforce Suite, and community locations to assist job seekers and employers.
• Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDVR assists individuals with disabilities who want to work but need help. Services include employment counseling, job placement assistance, training coordination, and workplace accommodations. Located at the Waukesha American Job Center.
• Office of Veterans Employment ServicescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal Veterans Employment Representatives (LVER) facilitate employment, training, and placement services for veterans, ensuring easier access to employment and training services within the job center system and conducting employer outreach.
• WOW Works Workforce Development BoardcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOne of Wisconsin's eleven regional workforce development boards serving as the convener, collaborator, and navigator of the workforce development ecosystem in Waukesha, Ozaukee, and Washington Counties. Authorized through WIOA to lead regional workforce development.
• Independence FirstsecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerOrganization offering over 20 programs and services for people with disabilities of all ages, including disability awareness, employment tips, and community access support. Provides services on-site at the Waukesha American Job Center.
• Forward Careers, Inc.coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWorkforce professionals specializing in employment and training programs for job seekers and businesses. Located at Waukesha American Job Center, West Bend Workforce Suite, Ozaukee Nonprofit Center, and corporate offices. Provides WIOA Adult and Dislocated Worker programs.
• Bridges Library SystemsecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides services to 24 member libraries in Waukesha County. Offers online virtual resources including Reference USA, Udemy courses, and career resources for library card holders to help with courses, job searches, and labor market information.
• Community Action Coalition - Waukesha CountysecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerWorks to build on strengths and capacities of low-income people and communities. Focus areas include housing, food, and clothing to support basic needs so individuals can pursue employment and training.
• Equus Workforce Solutions (FSET and W2)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides FoodShare Employment and Training (FSET) and Wisconsin Works (W2) programs. FSET helps FoodShare recipients gain skills, training, and experience for employment. W2 provides employment preparation and cash assistance to parents and pregnant women.
• Literacy Services of WisconsinsecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartners with motivated adults to provide access to quality basic education and skills training to improve lives, enrich families, and strengthen the community.
• Monarch Library SystemsecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint county library system for Ozaukee and Sheboygan Counties providing library services and resources to support workforce development and community learning.
• SER National - Senior Community Service Employment ProgramsecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerSCSEP provides community service and work-based training for older workers age 55+ who are low-income and have poor employment prospects. Authorized by the Older Americans Act.
• Spotted Eagle, Inc.secondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerWIOA Section 166 American Indian Grantee for Southeastern Wisconsin providing workforce development services to American Indians in Milwaukee, Waukesha, Ozaukee, Washington, Racine, and Kenosha counties for over 40 years.
• Waukesha County Technical College (WCTC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTechnical college offering 150+ areas of study including associate degrees, technical diplomas, apprenticeships, and certificates. Provides career development services, academic advising, student employment services, and campus recruitment events.
• Moraine Park Technical College (MPTC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTechnical college providing services in Washington County including basic skills instruction, career center resources, and corporate and community services. Offers customized training to business and industry.
• Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC)secondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerTwo-year technical college offering educational and training opportunities in Ozaukee County. Provides workforce development programs aligned with local employer needs.
• Waukesha County Center for GrowthsecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerWaukesha County's economic development organization focused on generating capital investment, creating jobs, and growing the economic base. Connects businesses with resources to help them grow.
• Ozaukee Economic DevelopmentsecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerServes as a one-stop resource for businesses looking to locate or expand in Ozaukee County. Provides workforce development connections and business support services.
• Economic Development Washington County (EDWC)secondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerPromotes economic development of Washington County through collaboration with industry veterans, community leaders, and business executives to support workforce and business growth.
• Wisconsin Department of CorrectionssecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity Corrections Employment Program (CCEP) offers employment and training support to people currently supervised by the Department of Corrections, supporting re-entry workforce services.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Wisconsin Technical College System: Statewide network of 16 technical colleges (including WCTC and MPTC partners) that delivers the credentialing and skills-training component of the workforce pipeline. Comparable because WOW Works channels job seekers into WTCS programs for occupational training.
• Express Employment Professionals: National staffing franchise that runs Walk-in Wednesdays at WOW Works centers. Comparable as a private-sector staffing operator using the WOW Works centers as a recruitment channel and competing for the same entry-level and skilled-trade employer customers in the region.
• Goodwill Industries of Southeastern Wisconsin: Larger nonprofit provider of workforce development, vocational training, and re-entry services across southeastern Wisconsin. Comparable because it operates mission-driven workforce programs with overlapping customer segments (job seekers, people with disabilities, justice-impacted) and similar employer relationships.

Direct peers

• Employ Milwaukee: Operates the Milwaukee County Workforce Development Board under WIOA, providing the same American Job Center model of employer recruitment, job seeker services, and partner agency coordination. Directly comparable because it is one of the other ten Wisconsin WDBs with an analogous statutory franchise and service mix.
• Forward Careers, Inc. Core WIOA Adult and Dislocated Worker operator co-located at WOW Works centers. Comparable as a direct service-delivery contractor running WIOA-funded career planning, OJT, and training for the same population WOW Works serves.
• Equus Workforce Solutions: Operates the FSET and Wisconsin Works (W2) programs at WOW Works sites. Comparable as a workforce services contractor delivering employment-readiness programming for low-income and benefit-receiving populations through similar partner-led intake and case management models.
• SER National: National nonprofit grantee operating SCSEP and other workforce programs for older workers and disadvantaged populations. Comparable because it is a federal-grant-funded workforce services operator delivering community service employment training — a direct functional peer in the WOW Works partner network.
• Literacy Services of Wisconsin: WOW Works network partner providing adult basic education, GED/HSED preparation, and skills training. Comparable because it operates as a community-based education provider addressing foundational skill gaps that feed directly into WOW Works career pathway programs.

Regional players

• Workforce Solutions (Texas Workforce Commission): State-level operator of the Texas Workforce Solutions network of American Job Centers under WIOA. Comparable as an out-of-state WIOA One-Stop system operator, illustrating the same statutory model at significantly larger geographic scale.

Emerging players

• ResCare / Sevita: National provider of vocational rehabilitation, community employment, and disability support services. Comparable because its employment services division overlaps with the DVR and Independence First offerings routed through WOW Works centers for individuals with disabilities.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat3 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Workforce Development Center