BankWork$ was developed to open a door for young adults and adults from low income and minority communities to help them find and succeed in well-paying jobs that can lead to a lasting career. Students are often those who otherwise would not be considered a qualified candidate for positions in banking/financial services. Participants in the BankWork$ program will be 18 years or older, have a high school diploma or GED, have basic computer skills, and previous cash handling and customer service experience. Employ Milwaukee will assess individuals prior to enrollment to ensure eligibility requirements are met. BankWork$ classes will be provided at no cost to the participants.
BankWork$ classes are held on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM for eight weeks. Topics include workplace professionalism, deepening the customer relationship, financial services fundamentals, and preparing for employment. Employ Milwaukee will schedule days and times based on market demand. The classes will be delivered as a hybrid model.
BankWork$ Flyer
BankWork$ cohorts are now offered in Milwaukee and Waukesha! If you are interested in joining a future cohort, please complete a form for your preferred location.
Milwaukee Inquiry Form Waukesha Inquiry Form
October 1, 2024
January 7, 2025
April 1, 2025
July 1, 2025
September 30, 2025
October 21, 2024
February 3, 2025
May 5, 2025
August 4, 2025
November 3, 2025
Ngeli’s journey from a car salesman to a Retail Relationship Banker is a testament to his determination and the support of Employ Milwaukee’s BankWork$ program. Originally from the Congo, Ngeli came to the United States with a background in customer service and sales. He was driven by a desire to find a stable job in the banking industry that offered opportunities for growth.
One late night, after a long day at the car dealership, Ngeli was scrolling through his emails when he came across one from Employ Milwaukee about the BankWork$ program. Excited by the prospect, he clicked on the link to apply but faced technical difficulties in scheduling an interview. Undeterred, Ngeli took time off work the very next day and decided to visit Employ Milwaukee to apply in person.
Ngeli’s professionalism and natural sales abilities shone through during the program. He always dressed professionally and was a team player in the classroom. His courteous, polite, and genuine personality made him a standout participant. Recognizing the opportunity to enter the financial services industry, Ngeli seized it wholeheartedly.
Graduating in November of 2022, Ngeli quickly transitioned into his role at BMO Harris Bank. He has become a top performer, demonstrating his natural aptitude for the job. His colleagues and instructors speak highly of his performance, noting his hardworking nature and commitment to excellence.
Ngeli’s success didn’t stop at graduation. He remains actively involved with the BankWork$ program, attending graduation ceremonies and speaking with new students. His classmates from the program remain in close contact, supporting each other as they advance in their careers.
In addition to his professional achievements, Ngeli continues to aim higher. He recently served as an alumni speaker at the BankWork$ Spring 2024 graduation and is working towards moving into a management position. His journey from car sales to a top-performing banker is a shining example of what can be achieved with determination, support, and the right opportunities.
BankWork$® is partnering with Employ Milwaukee and the Wisconsin Bankers Association (WBA) to expand its eight-week training program to southeastern Wisconsin at no cost to the trainee. BankWork$® is a public-private partnership that primarily trains participants from underserved neighborhoods for careers in retail banking. The Milwaukee partnership will place adults with barriers to employment, in jobs in the financial services industry. The program is currently operating in Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Pittsburgh, Portland, San Francisco, Seattle, and Tacoma.
The BankWork$ December 2022 graduating class.
Training prepares job seekers for success in occupations including Bank Teller, Customer Service Representative, Relationship Banker and Personal Banker candidates to local banks/financial institutions. Training topics include workplace professionalism, deepening the customer relationship, financial services fundamentals, and preparing for employment. Employer partners receive exclusive access to a graduation ceremony and hiring event after each class! Employer partners will have 50-100 prepared candidates to interview each year.
Are you interested in becoming a BankWork$® employer partner?
For more information, please contact Oscar Delgado at 414-270-1785 at Oscar.Delgado@employmilwaukee.org.
Employ Milwaukee
2342 North 27th Street, Milwaukee, WI 53210
Phone: (414) 270-1700Fax: (414) 225-2375 Deaf, hearing or speech impaired callers may reach us by the Wisconsin Relay number 711.
Employ Milwaukee is an Equal Opportunity Employer & Service Provider.
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