Episode 5: The Bridge Between – Inside Milwaukee’s Job Centers
Welcome back, everyone! If you’re a fan of community-driven conversations on workforce development or just curious about how job centers are changing lives in Milwaukee, episode 5 of the DCMKE podcast is an absolute must-listen. I’m excited to give you the inside scoop on this inspiring episode, featuring host Jason and guests Ric Ybarra from Maximus and Adi Bonetti from UMOS.
Meet Milwaukee’s Workforce Champions
The episode opens with Jason welcoming Ric Ybarra and Adi Bonetti—two leaders whose organizations are at the heart of Milwaukee’s workforce development scene.
Ric Ybarra : Senior Manager at Maximus serving the Milwaukee market for over two decades. His experience spans workforce services, education, and connecting communities to employment pathways.
Adi Bonetti : Employment Services Supervisor at UMOS, with 29 years under his belt. He oversees employment programs, GED and ESL classes, and specializes in helping individuals, including reentry customers, reclaim their futures.
North & South: The Job Centers That Power Milwaukee
What makes this conversation powerful is how Ric Ybarra and Adi Bonetti represent Milwaukee’s north and south side job centers—two hubs strategically placed to maximize community reach. Both discuss how these centers are more than just places to find a job; they're pillars in the workforce ecosystem. Clients access:
Free public services: Resume help, job applications, and digital resources
Education and upskilling: Partnerships with community colleges, technical training, and GED/ESL courses
Specialized support: Veterans services, Department of Vocational Rehabilitation, youth programming, apprenticeships, and more
Stability and mentorship: Case managers and job coaches address barriers—be it food insecurity, housing, or childcare—to help people move from crisis to career.
What Happens When You Walk Into a Job Center?
The guests walk listeners through the typical experience at both locations. Whether someone has a clear goal or needs help figuring out what they need, staff are ready. They provide:
Reception with staff speaking multiple languages
Immediate connection to the right resources (employment, emergency services, or training programs)
Supportive, barrier-free access—whether you’re a single parent, new to the country, or changing careers after decades in one industry
Upcoming Events and How to Get Connected
The episode highlights ongoing events, including job fairs (running through early fall), a major annual workforce summit at MATC, youth-focused panels, and industry-specific resource fairs. The advice: Check the Job Center of Wisconsin calendar for updated events and visit your local center to plug into the network.
Advice for Job Seekers and Career Changers
The wisdom from Ric Ybarra and Adi Bonetti can’t be overstated: Don’t try to do it alone. There’s a misconception that finding a job is simply about sending resumes, but Milwaukee’s job centers focus on holistic support, mentorship, and strategy—making it easier to compete in a crowded job market and make career pivots, even after decades in one field.