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Tony Evers, Governor
Amy Pechacek, Secretary

Department of Workforce Development
Secretary's Office
201 E. Washington Avenue
P.O. Box 7946
Madison, WI 53707-7946
Telephone: (608) 266-3131
Fax: (608) 266-1784
Email: sec@dwd.wisconsin.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 17, 2025
CONTACT: DWD Communications
CommunicationsOffice@dwd.wisconsin.gov

Worker Connection Program Helps Woman Achieve Dream of Becoming Traveling CNA

Jordan Madosh always had a caregiver's heart. From a young age, she cared for family members with serious health conditions, which sparked a passion for helping others that she hoped would lead to a career in healthcare. When she learned about DWD's Worker Connection program in December 2024, she jumped at the chance to earn a nursing assistant certification.

As part of the program, Jordan, a member of the Oneida Nation, received mileage reimbursement, tuition, and coverage for her exam fee, scrubs, and shoes — costs that otherwise would have been a significant barrier to participating in Certified Nursing Assistant training through Northeast Wisconsin Technical College. Jordan was also paired with a career navigator who offered encouragement and support throughout the whole program, advocating for her through significant personal challenges including health issues and the death of a beloved pet.

Worker Connection started as a pilot program in 11 counties in eastern Wisconsin that enrolled more than 3,000 people from 2022 through 2024 as part of Gov. Tony Evers Workforce Solutions Initiative.

Because of its success, the program is now a statewide initiative that offers navigation services through DWD's Job Center of Wisconsin locations. Career navigators help job seekers find the right fit through a human-centered approach and supportive services.

The program's supports, along with her determination and hard work, helped Jordan successfully complete her training and pass the state nursing exam in spring 2025. Soon after, she was hired by Elite Nurses as a traveling CNA, where she now earns over $21 an hour and enjoys a flexible schedule that will allow her to work toward her next goal -- enrolling in the Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) program at Northeast Wisconsin Technical College.

Her advice for those considering this training?

“Just go for it. It can be really nerve-wracking, but it will be worth it in the end,” Jordan said.

Her position at Elite Nurses is a direct reflection of the goals she set from the beginning: working as a traveling CNA to gain experience in different care settings while building toward a long-term career in healthcare. This role allows her to grow professionally, explore new environments, and maintain the momentum she needs to keep moving forward in her journey.

Learn more about the Department of Workforce Development Job Center of Wisconsin’s free career navigation services.

ABOUT DWD

Wisconsin's Department of Workforce Development efficiently delivers effective and inclusive services to meet Wisconsin's diverse workforce needs now and for the future. The department advocates for and invests in the protection and economic advancement of all Wisconsin workers, employers, and job seekers through six divisions – Employment and Training, Vocational Rehabilitation, Unemployment Insurance, Equal Rights, Worker's Compensation, and Administrative Services. To keep up with DWD announcements and information, sign up for news releases and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube.