|
|
April 2023
Greeting partners!
In this month's newsletter, we spotlight youth and young adult employment. Throughout the pandemic, our youngest residents have been impacted by education disruption and disproportionate unemployment. This is particularly relevant in Ramsey County, given that Saint Paul has the youngest workforce in the state, with 15.4% under age 25.
A first job represents an important step in transitioning to adulthood and serves as a milestone for independence. These young people are a key asset in our community’s ability to be economically competitive.
This newsletter features some of the ways Ramsey County and others in the community are investing in our young people to make sure they have a path to a bright future.
The newsletter also includes details on several upcoming events. I invite you to engage with us on behalf of the Workforce Innovation Board (WIB). We truly value your partnership and recognize that we are all stronger when we work together.
|
On April 4, Workforce Solutions launched its first Power Within Us session. Power Within Us seeks to connect young adults ages 16-24 currently on probation in Ramsey County with internships, job and educational training, caring adults, and other positive youth development support.
During the inaugural session, community partners who provide employment and job training programs to young adults with legal system involvement presented “right now” opportunities that young people can start earning while learning new skills. All young adults were empowered through self-selection and made on-the-spot connections that support their future endeavors. The event also included live entertainment, snacks and fellowship.
|
Workforce Solutions (WFS) partnered with Saint Paul Public Schools (SPPS) to host an externship experience for ten SPPS high school teachers on March 21. The goal of the externship was for teachers to experience and understand different public-sector careers so they can better advise and prepare their students for these employment pathways.
The teachers also learned about Ramsey County’s youth and young adult workforce training programs and public sector employment opportunities from a diverse panel of county employees.
 County Commissioners Ortega, MatasCastillo, Reinhardt, Frethem, Xiong, McGuire and County Manager Ryan O’Conner, joined Workforce Solutions staff and ten SPPS externship participants for a photo following the March 21, 2023, County Board Meeting.
 In partnership with the International Union of Painters & Allied Trades District Council 82, Ramsey County served over 200 residents at three Trade Up events in March. All attendees received instruction on how to work in the trade show industry, a filled toolbox and a voucher to purchase boots for the job. Over 150 individuals signed up for the union during the three events and will be sent to worksites throughout this trade show season.
Thank you to WIB members, Don Mullin from the Saint Paul Building Trades Council and and Tom Aasheim from the Finishing Trade Institute, for making this project a success!
Your small company can build its future workforce, source great talent and access a wage match to cover 50% of a college STEM intern’s wages through the SciTech Internship Program.
- Employers receive a wage match of 50% of the intern’s wages, up to $2,500.
- SciTech is free for students and small employers.
- At least 200 wage matches are available on a first-come, first-hire basis.
- Industries include tech, biotech, engineering, manufacturing, energy, aerospace, ag and more!
Want to know more? Check out this short video to see how the program works. You'll hear directly from employers that have used the SciTech program about their experiences.
To apply, go to SciTechMN.org. Questions can be sent to piper@mntech.org
|
This year, 12 businesses in Ramsey County are participating in the Inclusive Workplaces Cohort, a 9-month peer learning program to advance equity, diversity and inclusion in their organizations. One of the participating organizations will be spotlighted each month on social media and in the WIB newsletter. This month's featured organization is the Association of Minnesota Counties.
The WIB is currently accepting membership applications for the 2023-2025 term. Take your place with other community leaders engaged in supporting a more inclusive Ramsey County economy. As a member of the WIB, you can IMPACT workforce initiatives in our community that ensure businesses have the talent they need and residents have access to opportunity and prosperity.
Learn more about WIB membership or contact Becky Milbrandt with questions about the application process and eligibility requirements.
|
|
|
Hanna Getachew-Kreusser
Executive Director, Face to Face Health & Counseling Services, Inc.
WIB Member since 2022
Where do you see the most opportunities for young people looking to start a career?
It is an important time for employment opportunities for young people as employers are willing to train at entry-level jobs, have people grow in their companies and invest in young people for a mutually beneficial arrangement in this tight labor market.
Ramsey County supports the workforce program at Face to Face. It includes personal development training for career readiness and internship opportunities. It aims to increase young people’s self-awareness, improve their ability to manage emotions (an important skill for young people), enhance their overall sense of overcoming obstacles, gain fulfillment and satisfaction in life.
This self-awareness is essential for career success. It enables young people to make informed decisions about their career paths and goals. For example, young people aware of their strengths and weaknesses may be better equipped to choose a career that aligns with their strengths and allows them to work on their growth areas.
At Face to Face, we believe in valuing all young people for who they are and providing them access and opportunities to build on their strengths and realize their potential.
Learn more about Hanna and Face to Face.
|
|
|
Lunch & Learn, April, 12, noon-12:45 p.m.
Are you hungry to connect? Join Ramsey County's One-Stop partners on Wednesday, August 10, from noon to 12:45 p.m. for a virtual Lunch & Learn event to get information about partner program services and build your referral network. This month's featured partners include:
-
Community Resource Advocates co-sponsored by People Inc, Ramsey County and City of Maplewood - David Katzenmeyer
-
Walker West Digital Music Production Program for Youth, Marie Flowers and Braxton Haulcy
Ramsey County One-Stop partners are committed to increasing knowledge of available programs and services, and increasing partner referrals. This event is ideal for service delivery staff and supervisors in workforce, education and community services.
Join the event! No registration is required.
|
|
|
 Workforce Recruitment Resources Fair, Thursday, April 13, 8-10 a.m.
Interested in connecting to a diverse and emerging workforce? Want to build deeper, intentional and sustaining partnerships with local community-based organizations?
Join us at the Roseville Skating Center, 2661 Civic Center Dr., for a Workforce Recruitment Resources Fair sponsored by Ramsey County Workforce Solutions and the city of Roseville. This event is NOT a job fair--instead, we're inviting employers throughout Ramsey County to stop by and meet the many community-based organizations with training programs supporting various industries and occupations. It will be an excellent opportunity to learn more about the many organizations in Ramsey County and how they are helping job seekers with the skills they need to enter into new career pathways.
All businesses located in Ramsey County are welcome to attend this free event. Your human resources and employee recruitment professionals will learn about local programs training workers in health care, hospitality, manufacturing, general business and administration, finance, social services, transportation, construction and more. Drop in anytime between 8 and 10 a.m.
Learn more about this event.
Chamber Connect networking event and art exhibit, Thursday, April 20, 4-6 p.m.
Join us for an employer networking event and learn more about efforts to uplift fair opportunities hiring for all in our community. In partnership with the Saint Paul Area Chamber and Art from the Inside MN, the event will include appetizers, beverages and the ability to experience a powerful exhibit of original works created by men and women serving time in Minnesota’s correctional facilities on view in the art gallery. Sponsored by the WIB.
For more information and to register
|
Growing The Infrastructure Workforce Through Federal Investments Panel Discussion, Monday, May 1, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Join us for lunch and an engaging discussion about how the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act will impact our local workforce. A panel of industry experts will share their insights.
Moderator: Ling Becker, Director at Ramsey County Workforce Solutions
Panelists:
The event is free to attend and incudes lunch. Registration is required.
Thank you to our sponsors:
 Youth Summer Job Fair, May 13, noon-2 p.m.
Youth ages 14-18 looking for summer work are invited to attend the Ramsey County Youth Summer Job Fair on May 1 from noon - 2 p.m. at Maplewood Mall. Local employers hiring young people for summer opportunities will be on hand. Music, food, resources and incentives will also be available for youth who attend!
Employers interested in recruiting at the event should contact Workforce Solutions' Employer Services Team.
Thank you to SPIRE Credit Union for being the Youth Mentor sponsor. The first 50 youth and mentor pairs to come to the job fair will each receive a $10 gift card complements of SPIRE.
|
|
Breaking barriers through art creates fair opportunities
A prison sentence introduces a traumatic challenge to the lives of the incarcerated. But the difficulty of immersing back into society at the end of their prison term can present these individuals with an equally challenging scenario.
About one-fourth of incarcerated Minnesota individuals released each year return to prison with a new felony conviction within three years of release. Meaningful employment is critical to combatting this recidivism, but justice-impacted individuals face numerous structural barriers to securing employment. Multiple organizations in Ramsey County, like Art from the Inside, dedicate their efforts to breaking down those barriers.
“Over my career, I would hear stories from individuals returning to incarceration because they could not find opportunities to earn a living. They had no choice but to come back because the barriers on the outside were too difficult to overcome,” said Antonio Espinosa, Art from the Inside founder. “I believe it is unjust as a society not to provide opportunities for these individuals who have done their time and want nothing more than to rise above their past.”
Continue to the full article, the second in our Fair Opportunities article series.
|
|
|
|
|
|
