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October 2023
Greetings partners!
In October, we recognize Manufacturing Month in Minnesota. This issue of the Workforce Innovation Board of Ramsey County (WIB) newsletter includes information on events, resources and opportunities showcasing the significant role this industry plays in our local economy. There is also a feature story on WIB member Becky Degendorfer who is a true champion of the manufacturing industry.
It is also National Disability Employment Awareness Month, commemorating the many and varied contributions of people with disabilities to America’s workplaces and economy. In recognition of the important role people with disabilities play in a diverse and inclusive workforce, the theme for 2023 is “Advancing Access and Equity.”
I am very grateful for your partnership and our shared work of ensuring that Ramsey County is a great place to live, work and do business for all.
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October is Manufacturing Month
The manufacturing industry is a critically important part of Minnesota’s diverse economy. The industry contributed $58.7 billion to Minnesota’s economy in 2022 and made a wide range of products to improve people's lives such as medical devices, food, recreational vehicles and more. Last year, workers took home $24.9 billion in wages from Minnesota manufacturing jobs making an average annual wage of $76,950. Minnesota has a high demand for job seekers to work in manufacturing positions, making it a strong career path choice. Minnesota is also expected to see more than 75,000 job openings for manufacturing production positions through 2030.
Check out the many manufacturing career exploration opportunities, job fairs and other events taking place around Minnesota.
Download and share these resources:
Read about up-to-date manufacturing labor market conditions in regions across Minnesota
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 The Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) Employer Reasonable Accommodation Fund (ERAF) creates a central fund where small to mid-sized Minnesota employers can request reimbursement for expenses related to providing reasonable accommodations for job applicants and employees with disabilities. The ERAF's purpose is to encourage employment of people with disabilities by reducing any perceived or real financial barriers.
Learn more.
 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 LS Black Constructors.
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Becky Degendorfer
Human Resources Manager, North America at Mustad
WIB Member since 2020
What are some of the biggest workforce challenges facing employers in the manufacturing industry at this time?
I think one of the biggest challenges, aside from low unemployment that all employers face, is the perception that working in manufacturing is “less-than” and doesn’t pay well, provide good benefits, or holiday pay. First, every job performed at excellence is worthy of respect, and manufacturing absolutely pays well, provides good benefits and holiday pay! In the metro region, according to DEED, the average annual wage for jobs in Manufacturing is 13.1% higher than the average annual wage for the total of all industries. Almost everything we use in everyday life is manufactured. Our computers, our cars, the medical instruments used when we go to the doctor's office, to the utensils we cook with, and even that retainer that your teenager keeps losing! Without manufacturing, we don’t have medical devices or technology. We need to work together to change the narrative and elevate both the people and the industry that provide all of us so much.
Read more about Becky.
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Employer of the Day
Tuesdays, 3–5 p.m., at the Roseville Library
Thursdays, 11 a.m.–1 p.m., at the Maplewood Service Center
Looking for a new job? Every Tuesday and Thursday, employers will visit the Ramsey County Library in Roseville and Maplewood Service Center and to talk about job opportunities in their organization. Bring your resumé and your best first impression to get hired.
Featured employers:
If your business is interested in being an Employer of the Day, please contact employerservices@ramseycounty.us.
Trainer of the Day
Tuesdays, 11 a.m.–5 p.m., at the Roseville Library
Meet community based, no-cost skill training programs that are recruiting participants for upcoming classes. Participating in a community based training program is a way to build an up- to-date skill set. When training is complete, get introduced to employers looking for certified trainees and start a new and rewarding career. Courses range from Automotive to IT to Healthcare and much more. See list of possible training courses here.
Featured trainers:
All are welcome.
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Career Connect Day Job Fair
Tuesday, October 17, 3:30–5:30 p.m.
St. Paul RiverCentre - 175 W. Kellogg Blvd., Saint Paul
College students and members of the public are invited to connect with employers from a wide range of sectors. Bring a resume and don’t miss out on the opportunity to land a new job! For details on what companies will be there, visit the Saint Paul Area Chamber webpage.
Need a ride? Metro Transit is sponsoring free rides to the RiverCentre. A link at the bottom of the registration form will be provided to register for a free ride pass to and from the event,
valid for up to six riders so you can bring friends!
Learn more.
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Minnesota United: Feria de Empleo (Job Fair)
Thursday, October 19, 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
You are invited to an equitable opportunity for those looking for jobs. Employers are seeking to connect with the Spanish-speaking community in the Twin Cities. Although open to everyone, the career fair is designed to be held in Spanish.
- Location: Allianz Field West Concourse - Enter Southwest Bell Bank gate
- Address: 400 Snelling Ave N, St Paul, MN 55104
- Parking: Lots B & C
Learn more.
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 Expand the Toolbox: Addressing The Skilled Construction Labor Shortage - International Workers
Tuesday, October 24, 9-11:45 a.m.
Join us at International Institute of MN for a conversation on Addressing The Skilled Construction Labor Shortage - International Workers.
TOPIC: Provide insight and access to opportunities for contractors to learn about the variety of areas where they can legally employ international students & workers who are skilled and ready for the construction industry. By attending this event you will learn about the opportunities, process, timelines, and strategy when incorporating and accommodating international students and graduates within your organization
AUDIENCE: Construction contractors/employers, HR professionals and senior leadership who are currently embracing this opportunity or looking to be a champion of this work within their own company or the industry.
OCCUPATIONS THAT TYPICALLY ARE CONSIDERED: IT - Engineers - Architects - Estimators - Technical Project Managers - Construction Management - Logistics Managers & Coordinators - Human Resources - Finance-Accounting
Learn more and to register.
Successful Employer Training
Every third Friday, 11 a.m.-noon
Ramsey County is partnering with World Youth Connect, a local youth-led organization, to help bridge generational and cultural gaps between Ramsey County employers and the region’s young workforce. As Minnesota’s most diverse county, Ramsey County is excited to support employers to be more inclusive youth and young adult friendly workplaces. This opportunity is complimentary for any Ramey County employer.
The Successful Employer Training (S.E.T.) is an opportunity for both new and existing youth supervisors and employers to learn essential youth and young adult onboarding, retention, and communication skills and strategies to ensure a positive work environment for all. Ensure your supervisors are well-prepared to adapt and succeed alongside the next generation of workers!
Register.
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  Relationships and Trust Necessary for Community Reentry
Incorporating justice-impacted individuals into a community can be difficult for businesses, landlords, school leaders, and others. Those working in various Minnesota and Ramsey County correctional departments build relationships throughout the community to help these individuals transition into society while keeping general public safety at the forefront of their decisions.
“If we truly want to change the crime picture and reduce the number of victims, we cannot keep closing doors to the formerly incarcerated population,” said Mark Elliott, Probation Officer Supervisor in Ramsey County Community Corrections.
Mark has worked for over 30 years with men and women on probation or parole. Today, he is specifically involved with those in supervised release programs who have finished two-thirds of their sentence or are on probation. His experience indicates that persons on all sides of this complex scenario face numerous barriers to integrating justice-impacted individuals into society.
Continue to the full article.
This feature is part of a series of Fair Opportunities articles meant to raise awareness of the employment needs of justice-impacted individuals and the benefits to employers willing to give these returning citizens a chance at meaningful employment. Please visit the Fair Opportunities Hiring page on the Ramsey County Means Business website to find more resources and events being supported by the WIB.
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