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 February 2024
Greetings workforce partners!
This month's Workforce Innovation Board (WIB) of Ramsey County newsletter includes information about several opportunities, highlights from our hugely success Inclusive Hiring Connections Summit, details about upcoming events and the kick-off of a year long article series based on the Top Workforce Trends event held on January 17. If you didn't have a chance to attend the Top Trends event, the slide deck and recording are available. Check it out!
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It is also Career and Technical Education (CTE) month, a time to celebrate the value of CTE programs and the impact these programs have on learners of all ages to prepare them for in-demand, family-sustaining careers.
On behalf of the WIB, thank you for your partnership and commitment to our shared work of building an economy and workforce that is inclusive of all.
- Ling Becker, WIB Executive Director
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The WIB would like your input on the development of the 2024-2027 WIOA Local Plan. This Plan serves as an action framework for developing and integrating service delivery strategies in Ramsey County and is created in alignment with the State and Regional Plans.
Please consider sharing your insights by taking a brief survey by Feb. 9.
Take the survey.
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On January 24, the WIB and Ramsey County Workforce Solutions hosted an Inclusive Hiring Connection Summit. The summit was an opportunity for employers to learn about, connect to, and access workforce tools and resources to increase diversity and inclusiveness in their organization.
Over a hundred attendees were able to choose from a variety of breakout sessions, led by workforce experts, on topics such as skills-based hiring, youth internships, accommodating employees with disabilities and more. There were also 25 tables as part for the event's Training Resources Fair to connect employers with the community training providers that develop skilled workers for multiple industries. Art from the Inside also shared an exhibit of art created by incarcerated artists and provided information about hiring justice-impacted individuals.
View the photo gallery from the event.
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 The WIB is proud to sponsor the third Inclusive Workplaces Cohort. This is an opportunity for Ramsey County businesses to participate in an Executive Leadership Cohort learning experience. This initiative, in alignment with Ramsey County’s Economic Competitiveness and Inclusion Plan, will support employers in becoming more inclusive workplaces to ensure the diversity of our community is being amplified as a tool for economic growth. Through the program, Ramsey County businesses will have the opportunity to participate in a peer learning community while advancing equity and inclusion in their organizations. There is no cost to participating businesses.
Visit the Inclusive Workplaces Cohort webpage for additional details about the information session, the Inclusive Workplaces Cohort program and for the application to participate.
Apply today! Applications are due by noon on Feb. 2!
 Employers that hire STEM interns through the SciTech Program can reserve a $2,500 grant to cover half of the intern's wages, up to $5,000. Businesses can hire five interns each year, for a maximum reimbursement of $12,500!
- Startups and small companies with fewer than 250 employees can qualify.
- SciTech is a free resource for students and small employers.
- At least 250 wage matches are available on a first-come, first-hire basis.
- All funds will be reserved by June 2024, so don’t wait!
- Industries include tech, biotech, engineering, manufacturing, energy, aerospace, agriculture and more!
Want to know more? Watch this 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? Contact the SciTech Program at the Minnesota Technology Association: piper@mntech.org.
Do you know an individual who has contributed exceptionally to the support and empowerment of Ramsey County’s youth and young adults through personal, academic or career development? Nominate them for the 2024 Youth Workforce Champions Award! Nominations are being accepted through Thursday, March 14, 2024, at 4:30 p.m.
The Youth Workforce Champions Award is given each year to highlight two members of the Youth Works! community. The Legacy award will be given to an individual whose impact and leadership in the field of youth and young adult workforce development has been well-established. The Rising Star award will be given to an individual whose journey along the same path has just begun
For more information and to submit a nomination.
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Over the past several years, Ramsey County and the city of Saint Paul have deepened their partnership and are thrilled to announce even deeper collaboration between Youth Works! and the city’s Right Track program this year.
In 2024, the county will leverage the Right Track program to serve suburban Ramsey County young people with county funding. In addition, the county will be leveraging its resources and partnership to expand employer sites for Right Track both in the city and throughout the county.
Employers interested in learning more about opportunities to host Right Track interns this summer can visit the Right Track website to learn more.
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Inclusive Employer Toolkit offers free resources to employers
Workforce Solutions and the WIB are leading efforts to support employers to address discrimination and unconscious bias within their organizations. One of these efforts is to provide an Inclusive Employer Toolkit. The toolkit aims to help employers provide a more welcoming and inclusive workplace for all by offering practices to build diversity, equity, and inclusion in the areas of employee recruitment, hiring, onboarding and retention.
The Inclusive Employer Toolkit is now available online and can also be downloaded.
View the toolkit.
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High school pathway programs combine academics with hands on exposure to career training. The goal of these programs is to give students the opportunity to explore talents and gain experience while in high school that will set them on a path to fulfilling college degrees and careers.
High schools in Ramsey County are providing a wide range of career pathways programs to prepare students for meaningful careers in a wide range of in-demand industries.
Learn about high school career pathways programs by visiting the Career Pathways Directory on Ramsey County Means Business.
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Carly Voshell
Workforce and Technology Specialist, Adult Education Instructor, Harmony Learning Center
WIB Member: 2019-2021 and 2023-present
What are some of the main challenges faced by adult learners?
Adult learners are juggling many conflicting roles when they pursue school. Family and work commitments, access to technology, transportation and childcare are common challenges. Career and Technical Education organizations can offer flexible schedules, hybrid training, or digital literacy training and navigation to help overcome these barriers.
Learn more about Carly and her work at Harmony Learning Center.
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 Workforce Wednesday
Wednesday, Feb. 7, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
We're all familiar with Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility and Belonging (DEIAB) and its importance for a successful workplace culture. However, in today's environment, is this considered nothing more than a highly used acronym due to all talk and no action? How can employers and stakeholders in this space go from conversations to actions behind their words? Do we have a full understanding of DEIAB? Should DEIAB focus beyond race and ethnicity and include multigeneration and economic barriers? Is the concept of DEIAB overused and played out? Join us Feb. 7 as we discuss these and other topics around DEIAB.
- How to go from talk to action?
- New outlook on DEIAB and strategies for building your work community.
- Going beyond race and ethnicity - looking at multigenerational and other inclusion.
- How to develop a DEIAB plan that stands out.
Presenters:
- Jamar Hardy - Director of Diversity and Inclusion, Edina Reality
- James Houston - Owner, Houston Resources LLC; DEI Consultant, Xcel Energy
- Sonja Simpson - Owner, iONIS Solution; Director of Diversity and Inclusion, Legislative Coordinating Commission
Register today!
Get S.E.T. - 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!
To register.
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Employer of the Day
Tuesdays, 3–5 p.m., at the Roseville Library
Looking for a new job? Every Tuesday, employers will visit the Ramsey County Library in Roseville 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.–1 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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In the ever-changing work landscape, Ramsey County stands at the intersection of transformation and opportunity. Employers throughout the area offer a similar report regarding their workforce: there is a talent shortage. Despite having one of the country’s highest labor force participation rates and being ranked by CNBC as the fifth-best state for business, Minnesota has approximately two open jobs for every available worker.
Ramsey County individuals, businesses and organizations seek to collaborate on solutions to help employers find the workers they need. Ramsey County Workforce Solutions aims to strengthen the community’s economic success through personalized and effective workforce development. Its staff is driven by the county’s needs, the pursuit of excellence, the use of best practices and respect for all. In that regard, Workforce Solutions recently hosted a Zoom Webinar by Erin Olson, Senior Director of Strategic Research with RealTime Talent, who shared an in-depth report centered on the top trends that will shape Ramsey County's workforce in 2024 and beyond.
Continue to the full article.
RealTime Talent's Top Trends report is a compass, guiding Ramsey County through the complexities of a transforming workforce. The trends identified pave the way for a resilient, innovative and inclusive future.
This overview marks the beginning of a year-long series where each trend will be dissected, providing a nuanced understanding of its implications. Join us in the coming months on this journey as we unravel the layers of Ramsey County's evolving workforce landscape.
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