Steve Shupe (CC BY-NC 2.0)

Series: Wisconsin's 21st-Century Workforce

Manufacturing and agriculture have historically reigned supreme in Wisconsin's economy. But automation and consolidation in those sectors, and a shifting emphasis toward service- and technology-based industries, means the nature of work is changing rapidly. As workers across the state seek to start their careers, pursue better jobs, or find themselves struggling to reap the benefits of economic growth, they're looking for new opportunities wherever they might find them, including outside Wisconsin. As demographic and workforce shifts shape the state's future, political and business leaders are looking to attract and retain workers with advanced skills and education. These efforts are related to larger forces affecting Wisconsin's future, including population decline in rural areas, the role of higher education, and how public resources are used to develop the economy.
 
As Wisconsin's unemployment rate stays at record lows, nursing home facilities are struggling to find people to care for its elderly residents.
Wisconsin is running an advertising campaign is to attract new workers from Chicago to move to Wisconsin. Scott Gordon of WisContext discusses how cost-of-living calculations are determined and in what ways they vary between different places.
Wisconsin did not add many new private sector jobs in 2016. According to federal labor data, the state ranked 33rd in the nation. Wisconsin Public Radio capitol bureau chief Shawn Johnson discusses the state's job trends.
Wisconsin is expected to be short at least 700 primary care providers by the year 2035. Wisconsin Council on Medical Education and Workforce executive director George Quinn discussed how the state is working to bridge the impending shortfall of physicians.
Madison Common Council president Samba Baldeh and Latino Professionals Association board chair Tania Ibarra discuss diversity in the workplace, examining how the number of diverse voices decreases in positions of increasing authority.
With Wisconsin seeking to attract and retain young talent, do young people want to come or stay? What about people of color? Latino Professionals Association board chair Tania Ibarra and Madison Common Council president Samba Baldeh discuss equity in the workplace.
Economic trends in Wisconsin have recovered considerably a decade since the Great Recession. UW-Madison economics professor Noah Williams discusses what effects are on the workforce, particularly between rural and urban areas.
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The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation went live with its million dollar ad campaign in Chicago, with a marketing blitz targeted young adults on public transit and social media.
Wisconsin is making a full-court press with an ad campaign to try and attract a younger workforce into the state. Chris Reader of Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce breaks down the effort to bring in younger employees to the state.
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A shortage of foreign worker visas is leaving Wisconsin hotels and tourist attractions struggling to find seasonal employees. Wisconsin Hotel and Lodging Association CEO Trisha Pugal explains that many areas do not have the residential base to fill all their open hospitality jobs.