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 May 2024
May is Tech Month, an opportunity to focus on the important role that technology plays as a key driver of economic growth. The tech industry has experienced significant change in Ramsey County and nationwide recently. However, it remains critical to our local and regional economy, especially as tech innovations become increasingly integrated into other sectors such as healthcare, finance and manufacturing. I invite you to read on to learn about tech resources and events planned throughout the month as well as feature stories on two companies leading tech innovation in our community: MNGI and Minnetronix. More information about Tech Month is also available on the Tech Month page on the county's website.
On behalf of the WIB, I want to extend my appreciation for your ongoing partnership. We are fortunate to have such a dedicated network of partners that make our local workforce ecosystem so dynamic.
- Elisa Rasmussen, WIB Chair
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The Ramsey County Board of Commissioners declared May 1 as Green Careers Day in Ramsey County. Green Careers Day showcases the county’s continuous effort for a greener future by recognizing organizations that are creating green jobs in emerging industries or shifting to more sustainable practices. Anyone interested in learning more about environmental activities in the county is invited to the Green Ramsey Expo & Career Fair on May 1.
 The board of commissioners acknowledges that climate action and the careers that go along with it are top priority and is an ongoing effort and partnership. Thank you to our partners for making this work possible, including Solar Bear MN, Minnesota Solar Energy Industries Association, Earthtech Energy, Center for Energy and Environment, City of Saint Paul and Grid Catalyst.
The WIB is currently accepting membership applications for the 2024-2026 term. Take your place in joining 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.
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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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 In 2024, 11 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 Polar Semiconductor.
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Jonathan Banks
President & Founding Partner, NCXT
WIB Member since 2023
What are some of the most significant ways that technology is impacting the future of work?
- Working remotely is normal and will continue to change the shape of workplaces, the built environment, and management practices.
- Automating work with AI is becoming a more accessible option to many more people, shifting the responsibilities and methods of workers.
- Interacting with people, places and products through AR/VR, expanding the realms of business, consumerism, and work.
Learn more about Jonathan.
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Green Ramsey Expo & Career Fair
May 1
3:30-6:30 p.m.
Wilder Foundation Center, 451 Lexington Ave, Saint Paul
Attend and meet organizations whose missions include recycling, creating green space, environmental clean-up and more! Learn about and apply for green collar careers in emerging industries, as well as conventional businesses and trades who have shifted to more sustainable practices. Green resources and activities happening in the community will be highlighted as well.
Connect with these employers and resources:
Learn more.
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18th Annual Veterans Career Fair
May 1, 2-6 p.m.
Heritage Center of Brooklyn Center, 6155 Earle Brown Dr.
This career fair is for U.S. military veterans, current service members, military spouses, and Gold Star families. Employers are excited to offer new opportunities to the military-connected community!
Learn more.
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 Expand The Toolbox - Reinventing Our Construction Workforce Through Technology Advancements
May 2, 8-11:30 a.m.
Knutson Construction, 7515 Wayzata Blvd, Minneapolis
Learn about the current technologies that are helping transform the construction industry and discuss how we can prepare our workforce.
Learn more.
Future of Work: How Technology is Changing the Way We Work
May 6, 9:30-11 a.m.
Plato Conference Center, 90 Plato Blvd. W, Saint Paul
Workforce professionals are invited to an insightful event discussing the impact of technology on the way we work. Discover how advancements in technology are reshaping industries and transforming traditional work practices. From remote work to automation, this event will explore the trends shaping the future workplace. Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights to better support job seekers and network with industry professionals.
Panelists:
- Brian Flotterud, Director of Support Services, Saint Paul Public Schools
- Colette Campbell, Chief People & Culture Officer, Bremer Bank
- Dennis Zuzek, Senior VP and Chief Technology Officer, Health Partners
- John Filipe, Assistant Building Services Manager, Ramsey County
Reserve your spot today.
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CERT Connect Open House
May 9, 8-10:30 a.m.
Maplewood Community Center, 2100 White Bear Ave.
Small businesses are invited to join us for an opportunity to have deliberate, worthwhile conversations with county staff who are directly involved in construction projects.
Small businesses who are CERT Certified, have the potential of being certified, and/or have other certifications related to small business with other government entities are encouraged to attend. What to bring:
- Contact information (i.e., business cards)
- Company information (i.e., capabilities statement, company overview, brochures)
Register now.
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 Launch Pad: Career and Resource Fair
May 9, 4:30-7 p.m.
Eastside YMCA, 875 Arcade Street, Saint Paul
A great opportunity for high school seniors to learn about different post-grad opportunities, earn swag and more! Get the chance to connect with local employers and training programs to start planning your future.
More information.
 MN Construction Crew 10th Annual Hiring Expo
May 14, 8-11 a.m.
North Central States Regional Council of Carpenters, 710 Olive St, Saint Paul
Individuals interested in a career in the construction trades are invited to attend this hiring event! Attendees can meet with contractors that are or will be hiring soon and as well as talk to construction union representatives to learn about their unions and benefits. Information about construction training programs will also be available.
Learn more.
Public Pathways Tech Workforce Panel
May 15, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Saint Paul College, 235 Marshall Avenue Saint Paul
This event is aimed at those interested in public sector technologist careers or in training and education programs. Come hear from some key leaders of our area’s largest government organizations to learn about how they are working to leverage new talent, the skills required to start a career in the public sector and other insights about what is emerging in this important industry. Featured speakers include:
- Jaime Wascalus, Director Ofc. of Technology & Communications City of Saint Paul
- Chetan Ganatra, CIO Ramsey County
- Gretchen White, CIO Metropolitan Council
- Jeff Nyberg, Asst, Commissioner & Chief Technology Officer, MN IT Services
Lunch will be provided.
Register now.
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Power of Work Career Fair
May 16, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Goodwill-Easter Seals MN, 553 Fairview Ave. N, Saint Paul
Attend the 10th annual Power of Work career fair! Meet with 30+ employers from the Twin Cities recruiting for open positions. Some of these employers will be conducting on-the-spot interviews, so make sure to dress professionally and come prepared! The event also features:
- Mock interviewers.
- On-site computer lab to print your resume.
- Quiet room to rest and refocus between interviews.
This event it hosted by Goodwill-Easter Seals Minnesota, Ramsey County Workforce Solutions and Metro Transit.
Learn more.
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Innovation Lab Tour & Activities for All Ages
May 18, 1-4 p.m.
George Latimer Central Library, 90 W. 4th St., Saint Paul
Innovation Day opens the Innovation Lab to all ages! Come tour the lab and check out the recording studio, media lab, 3D printers, laser engraver and more. Try some hands-on activities, including green screen photography, 3D printing and create paper circuits to learn the basics of circuits while creating beautiful, interactive works of art!
Learn more.
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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.–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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Successful Employer Training
Every third Friday, 11 a.m.-noon
Ramsey County is thrilled to announce the re-launch of the Successful Employer Training (S.E.T.), a program designed in collaboration with World Youth Connect. This initiative is specifically tailored to bridge generational and cultural gaps between Ramsey County employers and our region's dynamic young workforce. As Minnesota's most diverse county, we are dedicated to empowering local employers to create inclusive and youth-friendly workplaces.
Following valuable feedback from local employers, we have enhanced our training modules to better meet the needs of today’s youth supervisors. The revamped resource now offers refined strategies for effective youth and young adult onboarding, retention, and communication, ensuring a thriving work environment for all.
This complimentary monthly training is open to all Ramsey County employers, whether you're new to supervising young people or looking to improve your existing skills. Join us every third Friday from 11 a.m. to noon and equip yourself to excel alongside the next generation of workers.
Register.
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Education will innovate: Addressing postsecondary challenges in workforce development
The supply and demand of employer needs and workforce availability is an ever-shifting dynamic, tethered together but each impacted by differing factors. Like many communities nationwide, Ramsey County faces a shortage of workers for existing jobs. Numerous factors have led to that scenario, but meaningful, collaborative partnerships between postsecondary education entities, government institutions and industry offer the potential to reimagine programming and education models to resolve the talent shortage. This education challenge is one discussion point in the RealTime Talent report titled Top 10 Trends to Watch in Ramsey County’s Workforce Landscape
Continue to the full article.
Top 10 Trends to Watch in Ramsey County’s Workforce Landscape from RealTime Talent 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. Each trend will be explored in-depth throughout 2024, charting the course for Ramsey County's workforce in the coming years.
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