Our relationship with MUS has grown in thoughtful and meaningful ways over the past two years. It began in the fall of 2024 when we sponsored the Motor City Momentum Convening in Detroit. Attending that event gave us a clear sense of MUS in action, especially the collaboration, the energy, the conversations, and the way people openly shared and connected. That experience encouraged us to stay connected and ultimately led us to sponsor the Milwaukee Forward: Cream City Rising Summer Convening in 2025.
It was at this convening where we learned MUS was opening membership to affiliate organizations. The alignment was immediate and clear; we needed to become a member and did so in 2025! For us, it was an easy decision because we saw the value of being part of the MUS community; they spark innovation, and they really understand the power of sector partnerships and what it means to create workforce development ecosystems that are accessible.
We’ve also found a home in the MUS Connector newsletter as an advertiser and contributing author. The newsletter has become a space for Skilltrade to share our voice, highlight our programs, and stay connected to the broader workforce community. Being featured each month has helped us position Skilltrade in the industry and showcase the way we work in communities across the country. For me personally, contributing each month has strengthened my writing skills and offers a space for me to reflect on how my work continues to evolve. I encourage other workforce development organizations to consider supporting MUS through advertising. It’s affordable, it elevates your visibility, and it allows you to be part of a collective effort that strengthens our workforce ecosystem.
We’re proud to have worked alongside MUS partners to design and deliver short-term, high-impact healthcare training programs that meet the evolving needs of both job seekers and employers. Together, we’ve:
- Launched new regional pilot programs that empower residents to earn national healthcare credentials and transition into in-demand roles of Certified Clinical Medical Assistant.
- Expanded partnerships with workforce boards and community organizations, leveraging braided funding to remove barriers and ensure programs remain accessible to all... especially those from underrepresented and underserved communities.
- Strengthened employer engagement through externships that create a direct bridge from learning to employment.
- Integrated innovation in training delivery through AI-immersive content, 3D simulations, and gamification, leading to greater engagement and completion rates across cohorts.
Looking ahead to 2026, our goal is simple: Keep building what works. Strengthen the partnerships that move people forward. Use technology in ways that make learning more accessible and engaging.
Our experience as an MUS member has reaffirmed the power of collaboration, and we look forward to continuing this collective work in the year ahead.
