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 November 2023
Greetings partners!
Last week, the Workforce Innovation Board and Workforce Solutions launched an Inclusive Employer Toolkit. I am so proud that the WIB is championing this effort and providing targeted resources for employers to create a workplace culture that is welcoming to all people. I hope you will check out the news story below and also share the toolkit with employers throughout Ramsey County.
Also in this month's newsletter is information about Apprenticeship Week. Apprenticeships provide a much needed talent pipeline to address workforce challenges as well as advance racial and gender equity in our community.
On behalf of the WIB, thank you for your ongoing partnership.
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New Inclusive Employer Toolkit supports employers to provide more welcoming workplaces
As one of the most diverse counties in Minnesota, 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 the launch of 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 creation of this toolkit aligns with Ramsey County’s Economic Competitiveness and Inclusion Plan to continue economic growth for diverse communities. Diversity in the workplace can create a stronger and more innovative workforce.
“Ramsey County’s economic competitiveness is tied to our ability to leverage our increasingly more diverse populations,” said Ling Becker, Workforce Solutions Director. “This effort aims to guide employers as they support their employees along all stages of the employee lifecycle.”
The Inclusive Employer Toolkit is now available online and can also be downloaded.
View the toolkit.
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Apprenticeship Week is an opportunity for the apprenticeship community to tell their stories about registered apprenticeship and share with businesses, industry, labor, education, career-seekers, community-based organizations, students and workers the advantages of developing careers through adoption of the apprenticeship model.
Throughout the week, the MN Department of Labor and Industry will feature events, apprentices and more.
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On October 17, members of the WIB and Workforce Solutions staff participated in the second annual Career Connect Day hosted by the Saint Paul Area Chamber. More than 2,000 students from over 25 East Metro high schools came to the Saint Paul RiverCentre to meet a wide range of Minnesota businesses and explore career pathways in six different industry sectors.
The WIB was proud to again provide the funding for transportation so that every Ramsey County high school had their bussing costs fully covered.
Later in the day, job seekers were invited to the event to meet with the employers who are actively hiring for full-time positions, internships or training opportunities.
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On Monday, Governor Walz signed Executive Order 23-14 eliminating college degree requirements for around 75% of state government jobs. He acknowledged that the four-year degree requirement is a barrier impacting more people today due to the rising cost of higher education and has historically disproportionately affected people of color.
Walz said, "With the acknowledgment that we're a part of an ever-changing economy and also understanding as the world changes, and the knowledge that people can gain experience through many different ways, whether it's on-the-job training, technical training, it's in the military, or through previous jobs, there are many different paths to get to the point you're trying to go."
 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 Hamernick's.
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Hyon Kim
President, MN Best Inc.
WIB Member since 2020
Where do you see the most opportunities for individuals interested in pursuing a career in the Civil Engineering and IT industry?
Individuals interested in pursuing a career in civil engineering and the IT industry can find numerous opportunities in various sectors. In civil engineering, there is a growing demand for professionals with expertise in sustainable design and construction practices. As the world focuses more on environmental conservation and reducing carbon footprints, civil engineers who can incorporate green principles into their projects are in high demand. Additionally, with the increasing urbanization and infrastructure development, there are opportunities to work on large-scale projects such as bridges, highways, airports, and smart cities. Moreover, the digitalization of the construction industry has opened avenues in areas like Building Information Modeling (BIM), where civil engineers can utilize IT services to improve project efficiency and streamline operations.
In the IT industry, opportunities abound due to the rapid advancements in technology. With the rise of technologies such as artificial intelligence, data analytics, cloud computing, and cybersecurity, skilled IT professionals are highly sought after. Roles in software development, network engineering, data science, and cybersecurity offer promising career prospects. The growing reliance on digital platforms and applications across industries makes IT expertise indispensable. Furthermore, the increasing demand for automation, digital transformation, and technology consulting services highlight the potential for individuals to contribute to these areas.
Whether it's in civil engineering or the IT industry, there are ample opportunities for individuals to carve successful careers by leveraging their skills and staying attuned to the evolving demands of both fields.
Read more about Hyon.
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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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 For more information.
Unleash Potential
November 14, 6-7:30 p.m.
Arlington Hills Community Center, 1200 Payne Ave, Saint Paul
Young people ages 16 and older and their families are invited to come connect with employers, learn about training and wealth opportunities and access other supportive resources!
Learn more.
Strengthen the Strong luncheon
November 15, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
370 Osborne - 370 Wabasha St. N., Floor 4, Saint Paul
This is a monthly event for change makers to gather around food to form fresh relationships & foster a stronger and more prosperous community in the Twin Cities. This month's event is sponsored by Full Stack Saint Paul.
Meet and greet the biggest change-makers to form fresh relationships & foster a stronger and more prosperous community in the Twin Cities!
- Curates a space that feeds your body and soul.
- No agenda.
- No dress code.
- Arrive when you can, leave when you need.
Learn more and register.
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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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  Wildflyer Coffee Brews Solutions for Youth Homelessness
Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota estimates 6,000 youth experience homelessness on any given night, with about half in the Twin Cities area. There are many contributing factors like involvement in the justice system, neglect, abandonment or family conflict. Perhaps the biggest barrier for these youth to obtaining a place to live is finding and maintaining employment. One Twin Cities coffee shop is using its brews as a means to address that issue.
“We believe we can educate the community on what youth homelessness looks like in our area while working with young people as they develop their independence and work towards a more stable future,” said Wildflyer Coffee Program Manager Kenzie Diessner.
Wildflyer Coffee is a nonprofit coffee shop with locations in Saint Paul and Minneapolis. While Wildflyer creates coffee that tastes good, it believes its coffee can also do good. With a mission “to create employment opportunities for youth experiencing homelessness and housing instability through the cultivation of life skills and personal empowerment,” Wildflyer has built a program to accomplish that goal.
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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