Representatives from the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) and the Office of Higher Education (OHE) visited Ultra Machining Company in Monticello on Oct. 4 to discuss the company's use of Dual-Training Pipeline and Youth Skills Training programs as workforce tools to help the company address critical workforce challenges in the manufacturing industry. The event also recognized and celebrated Manufacturing Week in Minnesota.
DLI Commissioner Nicole Blissenbach, OHE Commissioner Dennis Olson, staff members from DLI's Dual-Training Pipeline and Youth Skills Training programs, educators and trainees gathered to discuss and celebrate the company's successful dual-training and workforce programs.
White Bear Lake High School was awarded $95,000 in the fourth round of YST grants to support the expansion of their Automotive Career Pathway program. Derek Doescher, transportation instructor for White Bear Lake High School, said the YST grant has helped the growth and success of the school's program, including:
- More than 1,000 students received exposure to the automotive industry.
- More than 500 students enrolled in a Transportation Pathway course (the highest enrollment to date).
- Thirty-one students were placed in paid summer work experiences with many receiving offers for full-time opportunities.
Doescher plans to expand paid summer work experiences during the 2024 summer and offer interviews at school with local industry partners to remove barriers for all students.
Professional credentials
Students earned industry-related automotive credentials including more than 300 Ford ACE training modules each semester – the most in the Twin Cities area. These modules allow students to gain dealership-level training while still in high school. Additionally, 13 students passed the ALLDATA certification test.
Doescher added to his automotive credentials completing six Automotive Service Excellence tests. “One of the best ways I can be an example for my students is by continuing my own training and education. This not only helps me lead by example, but also keeps me up to date with the content I am teaching my students," he said.
An expanding audience
It is important to celebrate Doeschler’s impact on the number female-identifying students enrolled in the Automotive Career Pathway courses. Since beginning teaching in White Bear Lake, Doescher said the number has grown from six to over 40 during the 2023-24 school year. Doescher credits the growth to intentional culture-setting, innovative staff and student outreach, industry support, peer support and open houses.
At the end of the grant cycle, Doescher created a video to showcase the White Bear Automotive Career Pathway program to students and industry partners. He intends to use this video as a recruitment tool for local employers who are not currently involved, and with young people who traditionally may not choose automotive classes.
“It was truly a great opportunity to participate in this grant … . I think this (video) is a great example of how everyone (secondary school, post-secondary and local industry) working together benefits the students and the whole transportation industry," he said.
Congratulations to White Bear Lake on the successful program. View the Automotive Career Pathway video here.
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August industry meeting: information technology
In August, YST staff hosted an informal information technology sector meeting for grantees. YST grantees gathered virtually to share resources, brainstorm solutions to challenges and provide update about the progress of their IT programs. Attendees included:
- Bemidji Career Academies,
- Genesys Works Twin Cities,
- Forest Lake Area Schools, and
- Venture Academy.
Input for the meeting was also provided from ISD 728 and Edina Public Schools programs. Grantees shared ideas about approaching possible IT employers regarding staffing student workers, developing IT curriculum for the schools and supporting all learners in each phase of YST programming.
YST plans to host sector-specific meetings regularly to gather and build a network of support and resources. Stay tuned for announcements on more sector meetings.
New staff member joins YST
Please welcome Joanna Daggett, the newest member of the YST team. Daggett started with YST in August as the first-ever YST program consultant. Daggett is looking forward to meeting and working with our partners to expand our work throughout the state.
Daggett has an extensive background and experience as a youth worker and program developer. She completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Wisconsin- Madison and holds a master’s degree in education from the University of Minnesota in Youth Development Leadership. Most recently, Daggett was the co-founder and site manager for a comprehensive educational and career program for young people in Minneapolis/Hennepin County with the Pathways to Success School Re-engagement Program. She also has experience as a faculty member with the University of Minnesota. Daggett brings a variety of skills, knowledge and talent that will greatly benefit the YST program and we are truly fortunate to have her onboard to move this work forward.
About the Youth Skills Training program
The YST program encourages, promotes and supports the development of local partnerships between schools, employers and community organizations in the industries of advanced manufacturing, agriculture, automotive, health care and information technology. View more information about how to start a program and important program information.
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