Dept. of Workforce Development: Kwik Trip Garners National Honor for Commitment to Hiring Individuals with Disabilities

CONTACT: DWD Communications, 608-266-2722
On Twitter: @WIWorkforce
  
Over 200 DVR consumers placed in Retail Helper positions in WI since 2013 through collaboration with DWD
 
MADISON – Wisconsin-based Kwik Trip Incorporated recently received a national award from the Council of State Administrators of Vocational Rehabilitation (CSAVR) for its strong commitment to employing job seekers with disabilities.
 
On Tuesday, April 10, CSAVR presented Kwik Trip executives with the Business Partner of the Year Award during the council’s Spring Conference in Bethesda, Maryland. The honor highlights Kwik Trip’s Retail Helper program, which began in Wisconsin in 2013 and placed over 200 Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) consumers in employment. Of the DVR consumers placed, nearly 75 percent successfully gained permanent employment status with Kwik Trip.
 
“I would like to congratulate Kwik Trip for being recognized for its commitment to hiring individuals with disabilities,” Department of Workforce Development (DWD) Secretary Allen said. “Ever since DWD staff and Kwik Trip began working collaboratively in 2013 to fill the company’s labor market needs with qualified and energetic talent, the Retail Helper program has expanded and now operates in three states. The Retail Helper program is a reflection of the innovative and successful approaches that DWD is advancing to address employers’ labor market needs by tapping the skills of everyone who wants to work.”
 
Retail Helper duties differ from store to store, but basic job functions include maintaining positive store image and sanitation standards, monitoring cleanliness and maintenance needs, ensuring a high level of customer service, and assisting with essential functions such as stocking, unloading, filling coolers and more
 
“Under Governor Walker, DWD remains committed to providing Wisconsin employers with a talented and reliable workforce, and that includes individuals with disabilities,” Secretary Allen said.  “In roughly the last 7 years, over 25,000 DVR consumers have successfully reached their employment goal, and this accomplishment would not be possible without strong business partners like Kwik Trip recognizing the value that employing job seekers with disabilities brings to any employer’s bottom line.”
 
More information about DVR is available online
 
Read the CSAVR report highlighting Kwik Trip’s Retail Helper program.