'It makes you feel more personable': New job center opens in Waukesha

WAUKESHA, Wis. (CBS 58) -- A new job center has opened in Waukesha.

Tuesday's ribbon cutting at the new WOW Works American Job Center came as county leaders touted record low unemployment rates throughout the area.

"We're bringing the best available resources to people who are looking for jobs, that are looking for careers that are looking for advancement," said Waukesha County Executive Paul Farrow.

The center opened its doors to jobseekers throughout Waukesha, Ozaukee and Washington counties.

The state-of-the-art location will provide people looking for employment with job counseling, resume building and virtual hands-on experience, which is an opportunity some say they are thankful for.

"The engagement with the employees and the one site staff was, I didn’t expect that, but it was good," said Jonathan Garner, a jobseeker.

Garner went on to say, in a special way, the center has helped him navigate the new world of applying for employment.

"Comforting, it makes you feel more personable when you get approached that way."

According to the Job Center of Wisconsin, in Waukesha, the unemployment rate spiked to 12.3% in April 2020. Since then, unemployment has dropped to 1.8% as of December 2022, which is lower than the statewide rate of 2.2%.

County leaders said a job is a gateway to individual freedom.

"Really, a job is that first step to economic independence and self-sufficiency. I really want to make sure that every resident in the WOW region has that same ability to love their jobs," said Analiese Smith, Board Director of WOW.

WOW Works will be open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Walk-ins are accepted, but appointments are preferred.

For more information on WOW Works, click the link here. The facility can be found at:

2607 N. Grandview Blvd.
Suite 100
Waukesha, WI 53188
(262) 695-7800