Workforce Innovation Board Newsletter - January 2023

Ramsey County, Minnesota sent this bulletin at 01/05/2023 10:45 AM CST

January 2023

On behalf of the Workforce Innovation Board of Ramsey County (WIB), I would like to wish you all a Happy New Year! The WIB's December newsletter focused on the impact and successes that took place in 2022, but we recognize that our work is not done. With the new year comes the potential for making new connections, acting on new ideas, accepting new challenges and embracing new opportunities.

In this month's newsletter, we begin to look ahead at some of the events and initiatives the WIB and Workforce Solutions will prioritize in 2023 to better serve our businesses, partners and residents, especially those in marginalized populations. Throughout the year, we will also uplift some of the industries and populations that make our community and region a rich and vibrant place to live and work. Watch for resources, events and industry data to be shared in the following months:

February - Career and Technical Education
March - Construction
April - Youth Employment
May - Tech
June-August - Healthcare
October - Manufacturing
November - Apprenticeships

There is so much ahead in 2023. I look forward to our work together to ensure that there is a pathway to opportunity for all.

Fair opportunities hiring: new year, new chances

This year, Ramsey County and its community partners and will continue to draw attention to the desperate need for employers to embrace fair opportunities hiring practices for job seekers who have been impacted by the criminal justice system. According to the US Department of Justice, over 10,000 ex-prisoners are released from America’s state and federal prisons every week and arrive on the doorsteps of our nation's communities. More than 650,000 ex-offenders are released from prison every year. Employment, housing and mentoring are three key elements of successful re-entry into our communities.

In 2022, the first ever Welcome Home Party and Fair Chances Hiring Fair was held in Saint Paul’s Midway neighborhood, provided job opportunities and resources to individuals and their families who have struggled to be accepted into the community and in workplaces. The event was led by members of the community and received financial support from the WIB.

Community partner Strive Staffing believes opportunity should be inclusive. Inclusive hiring is good for business and society, by making placements with purpose, people can get on the path to success. Strive finds that inclusive hiring builds and strengthens employer workforces with more dedicated and loyal workers. Marcel Hofker, CEO and Founder of Strive Staffing says, "The Welcome Home Party brought together people, programs and large and small businesses, all under the concept of community gathering around our neighbors that have paid their debt to society and now need to be welcomed back by the community. I am emboldened by the people I connected with and their desire to make change. This movement has not yet seen its day but through events like this, that day will come." J.F., one of the job seekers that attended the Welcome Home event, has navigated several rejections from employers who eliminate him from job opportunities due to a felony fifteen years ago. J.F. comments, “We did our time. When do we get to be human again?”

For J.F. and many other individuals returning from incarceration, that day can be soon. Watch for fair opportunities hiring advocacy and educational events for employers taking place in the upcoming year. Get involved and make a difference.

Youth Works! newsletter relaunched

Workforce Solutions is thrilled to re-launch the Youth Works! newsletter this month to coordinate the sharing of resources and opportunities within the system of youth and young adult employment and training supports in Ramsey County. There is much work to do as we support Ramsey County youth and young adults that have been impacted deeply by the pandemic and civil unrest in our community. The newsletter will include partner features, youth employment opportunities, project spotlights, upcoming events, youth-focused data and success stories.

Subscribe now to get connected to the Youth Works! newsletter.

Training dashboard connects residents to free programs

Providers of free or low cost workforce training programs can now submit their program information for inclusion on Ramsey County's workforce training dashboard through a new and easy to use self submission form. The training dashboard includes over 80 training programs in and near Ramsey County across a wide range of in-demand industry sectors.

Visit the Workforce Training Dashboard to learn more about how Ramsey County is connecting residents to the training programs needed to get people started or advancing in a career.

Career Lab - Maplewood temporarily relocated

The Ramsey County Library in Maplewood is temporary closed for renovation. During the closure, alterative options for Career Lab services are being offered at Hayden Heights Library and CareerForce – Saint Paul through January 12. On January 17, a satellite location will open at the Maplewood Mall. One-to-one meetings with employment guidance counselor aides can also be scheduled by calling 651-266-9890.

Learn more by visiting ramseycounty.us/CareerLabs

Welcome new WIB members Commissioner Rena Moran and Hanna Getachew-Kreusser

Members of the WIB are key decision makers within their organizations and experts in the workforce arena appointed by either the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners or the City of Saint Paul Mayor.

Yesterday, Commissioner Rena Moran was sworn into office as one of two newly elected county commissioners. Commissioner Moran will also serve as the Local Elected Official of the WIB.

The City of Saint Paul recently appointed Hanna Getachew-Kreusser, Executive Director at Face to Face Health & Counseling Inc.

Welcome, Commissioner Moran and Hanna! We look forward to leveraging your skills and experience to advance the WIB's mission and goals.

Lisa Guetzkow

Ramsey County Workforce Solutions

Integrated Programs Manager and WIB Member since 2019

What are some new opportunities you see for job seekers in 2023?

In a changing economy, uncovering transferrable skills from past work or lived experience, and more opportunities for skill upgrades in short term trainings will help open possibilities for job seekers. With the surge of remote work from home jobs here to stay, opportunities for learning both how to interview for a job virtually, as well as keeping up with the skills needed to keep those jobs such as using technology, work-life balance, and employer expectations will be important. Accessing workforce programs that commit to having strong industry partnerships, employer participation, wrap around supports and job search skills services can make a huge difference.

Learn more about Lisa.

CareerForce in Saint Paul Open House & Resource Fair - January 18, 9 a.m.-noon

The One-Stop Operator Consortium is excited to kick off 2023 with an Open House and Resource Fair at CareerForce in Saint Paul. All interested individuals are invited to come explore free resources from our neighborhood community service providers. Refreshments will be provided compliments of the WIB.

CareerForce in Saint Paul is located at 540 Fairview Ave. N., Suite 103 and is open Monday-Thursday 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. and Friday by appointment 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Stop by for individualized career search support, information on program services and to attend workshops.

3M Advanced Training Center Open House & Networking Event - January 25, 4-6 p.m.

The WIB, Saint Paul Area Chamber and Saint Paul Public Schools are excited to showcase the new 3M Career Pathways Advanced Training Center and build connections among organizational and business leaders, and schools. Join us for a networking event and tour. Explore this growing center, which is helping train students for tomorrow's careers. We'll enjoy food from the culinary program, and will also hear a short welcome program from Joe Gothard, superintendent of Saint Paul Public Schools.

Roseville Job Fair - January 25, 3-6 p.m.

Join us for an in-person job fair at the Ramsey County Library in Roseville! Job seekers can connect with eager employers who have current job openings and are looking for candidates with a variety of work experience and backgrounds. Featured employers include: