COVID-19 has accelerated changes that were already underway in the American economy, such as the increasing displacement of workers by automation, the exponential evolution of industries due to technical advancements (the Fourth Industrial Revolution), and a widening skills gap and attainment deficit in the American workforce. As a result, adult…

The qualitative study involved twelve students at Fox Valley Technical College (FVTC) who involuntarily lost jobs and as a result, made the decision to attend college. Study participants were students with no postsecondary credential beyond high school, and in most cases, had no intentions of attending college until they lost their jobs. Students…

We examine the effects of job displacement, an involuntary event associated with socioeconomic and psychological decline, on social participation. Using more than 45 years of panel data from the Wisconsin Longitudinal Study, we find that job displacement is associated with significant, long-term lower probabilities of subsequent involvement with…

Worker dislocation is a major problem in Wisconsin. Services needed include provision of coping mechanisms, job search methods, and retraining. A partnership between the state and the Wisconsin American Federation of Labor-Congress of Industrial Organizations was created to provide these services and referrals, as well as preventive training…

Of southwest Wisconsin farmers who quit farming, 1982-86, 40 percent cited financial reasons, but 60 percent cited health problems, age, or other job opportunities. Most voluntary retirees remained in their homes and were financially secure. Involuntary leavers often improved their incomes, but many relocated and still had farm debts. (Author/SV)

A pilot program was set up to provide displaced workers in Wausau, Wisconsin, with skills needed by specific local employers. The program consists of four basic components: preemployment training activities, two-week assessment activities, training activities, and placement-related activities. The goal of 65 percent placement seems to be feasible.…

Small businesses play a strong role in generating new jobs. Policymakers have been encouraged to find ways to foster and support their development, especially by linking entrepreneurial training to the existing employment and training system. The purpose of this paper is to provide a background and a focus for further discussion of entrepreneurial…

Fifteen short articles on partnerships describe job center networks in Wisconsin, cooperative education, Chrysler's dislocated worker program, behavior problems, dropout programs, computer literacy, a summer inservice institute, hazardous materials handling, small business incubators, parenting classes in prisons, at-risk youth, superintendent…

Income replacement and reemployment programs in Michigan and its neighboring states were examined in the context of recent changes in federal policy regarding compensation and services for individuals who have lost their jobs or sustained job-related injuries. The analysis focused primarily on the following programs: (1) Unemployment Insurance…

The numerous layoffs of low-income workers that occurred when the nation's economy slowed in 2001 have created numerous challenges for local Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) programs. By increasing collaboration between community economic development and workforce development efforts to serve low-income residents, states and…