From a seven-month streak of record high employment levels, a record high number of nonfarm jobs, and continued low unemployment, 2024 saw historic wins for Wisconsin workers, job seekers, employers, and other stakeholders under the leadership of Gov. Tony Evers, who proclaimed 2024 as the Year of the Worker. The 2024 Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD) annual report showcases the many achievements by DWD and its partners to efficiently deliver effective and inclusive workforce services to the people of Wisconsin.
“The state’s investments to reduce barriers to work, expand access to job training and apprenticeship, and build the 21st-century workforce are paying off with another record-breaking year,” DWD Secretary Amy Pechacek said. “These achievements are a testament to the commitment of our agency’s staff and collaboration among employers, labor, government, educational institutions, and other partners to carry out Gov. Evers’ vision to support and advance Wisconsin’s labor market economy. Together, we carry the momentum of 2024 into a new year of continued collaboration, innovation and achievement.”
Highlights from the 2024 Annual Report include:
- Record high employment and continued low unemployment: Wisconsin experienced seven consecutive months of record-high employment, reaching 3,073,900 in November, and a record 3,047,300 nonfarm jobs in August. In addition, the state experienced low unemployment of 2.9% through much of the year.
- Record apprenticeship enrollment and expanded offerings: Wisconsin attracted a record 12,089 Registered Apprentices, who earn a living wage during their training, and a record 3,020 employers. Wisconsin launched new career opportunities with pilot programs for teachers and respiratory therapists. Additionally, a record 9,932 high school students and 6,727 employer sponsors participated in Youth Apprenticeship this school year, helping develop our workforce of the future through 83 career exploration pathways.
- Record high disability employment: For the second straight year, investments in connecting people with disabilities to meaningful career opportunities resulted in a record 189,194 working-age individuals employed.
- Continued protection of Wisconsinites’ rights: By investigating discrimination, enforcing workplace protections and ensuring fair compliance, DWD protects workers, employers who play by the rules, and taxpayers. These efforts resulted in $998,394 in recovered in wages and penalties owed to workers. The Uninsured Employers Fund, collected from illegally uninsured employers, reached $111 million, and 1,477 misclassified workers were identified, leading to assessments of over $400,500 in unemployment insurance taxes and interest.
- Another decline in worker’s compensation premiums: Insurance rates dropped for the ninth year in a row, saving Wisconsin employers 10.5% on average, for an annual savings of $206 million.
- Leadership on important workforce challenges: DWD provided leadership of the Governor’s Task Force on Workforce and Artificial Intelligence, which was aimed at preparing the state for the future of work in an increasingly AI-driven economy. DWD also supported the Governor’s Task Force on the Healthcare Workforce, which provided recommendations to address education and training, recruitment and retention, and regulatory policy impacting this important sector.