We write to state our strong support for steps the Department of Workforce Development is taking to improve state employment and training services.

This will help us meet the needs of job-seekers, workers and employers throughout the six counties of our South Central Wisconsin Workforce Development area. We are competing in a high-tech, fast-paced global economy, and we need a 21st century employment and training program that works for all communities, urban and rural.

Wisconsin 's job center system was created nearly 25 years ago with a $10 million federal start-up grant.

Since then, Wisconsin 's federal employment and training funds have been cut by more than half. At the same time, we see an ever increasing need for skilled workers.

The state 's shrinking resources and staff have been spread so thin that too little state support has been going to actually serving job seekers and employers with skills assessment, career advising and training.

State funds have been consumed with overhead such as rent, computer lines and publications. It is time for improvements, and what DWD is doing will make better use of resources by providing higher quality services to job seekers and employers.

By the end of the year, DWD 's job service and veterans staff will be assigned to 12 regional sites. While staff in our region will be based in Madison, they will circulate throughout the area, holding office hours in communities and serving all job seekers.

We appreciate that DWD is committed to serving every community, large and small. Rather than wait for job seekers to come to them, its staff will reach out and serve customers through a variety of sites including technical college campuses, community organizations and libraries.

Employers should be better served with a proactive staff, reaching out to them and working to connect them with an expanded pool of qualified job seekers.

Another major development in recent years is the widespread use of computers, and the advent of the Internet.

More job seekers now search the Internet for jobs. DWD is developing an innovative, easy-to-use virtual job center with access statewide, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Job seekers will be able to post resumes and get online job search assistance. Employers will be able to post job orders, screen candidates and conduct interviews. Online job fairs and conferences will also be possible. Staff and technical support will be available to help visitors use these features.

Given the challenges we face and the opportunities DWD has presented, we are in strong support and pleased to work with DWD to improve Wisconsin 's employment and training system.

Our goal is for every job seeker and employer to have access to the resources they need to be successful. We see no loss of state positions or services, but rather a stronger employment and training program serving more communities, job seekers and employers.

Madelung is president of Herzing College and chairman of the Workforce Development Board of South Central Wisconsin. Cavanaugh is treasurer of the WDB of South Central Wisconsin and president of the South Central Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO.