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 April 2024
Greetings workforce partners.
I am delighted to present the 2023 Annual Business Report for the Workforce Innovation Board (WIB) and Workforce Solutions. The report showcases the steadfast leadership of our workforce board members, the dedication of our staff, and the invaluable partnerships we have established within our community. Together, we have worked tirelessly to create meaningful impact and foster a thriving workforce ecosystem.
This newsletter includes information about Second Chance Month and some events taking place to garner more awareness on this important issue, including a Fair Opportunities Simulation event being sponsored by the WIB, in partnership with Repowered. I encourage you to learn more about Fair Opportunities efforts in Ramsey County.
Last week, we also recognized two outstanding leaders in our community for their tremendous service to Ramsey County's young people. I hope you will read on to learn more about this year's Youth Workforce Champion Award recipients and many other great things happening in our community.
- Ling Becker, WIB Executive Director
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 The WIB and Workforce Solutions 2023 Annual Report is now available. Workforce Solutions and the WIB are committed to cultivating economic prosperity and enhancing opportunities for all job seekers and businesses. The report showcases the collective achievements of the WIB and Workforce Solutions over the last year and demonstrates the deep commitment to ensuring the regional economy continues to thrive and all people have the opportunity to secure meaningful employment. Thank you for your support of these efforts as we work together to collectively build a more inclusive economy.
The WIB proudly acknowledged the remarkable achievements of Hannah Chan and LaShay DeClercq-Ransom on April 4 as the recipients of the 2024 Youth Workforce Champion Awards. Both individuals have shown outstanding dedication to nurturing and empowering the youth of Ramsey County through personal and career development initiatives.
Ling Becker expressed gratitude for the impactful contributions of this year’s Youth Workforce Champions. "Their efforts in guiding young people towards employment opportunities and essential resources underscore their unwavering commitment to enhancing the lives of our youth," said Becker.
Aalayha Traub, Chair of the WIB’s Youth Committee, commended this year’s candidates for their dedication to Ramsey County's youth. "Ms. Chan and Ms. DeClercq-Ransom have demonstrated remarkable dedication and influence in our community," Traub said. "I am honored, on behalf of the Youth Committee, to recognize their significant contributions to the lives of countless youth."
The awards recognize the exceptional efforts of two esteemed members of the Youth Works! community who have committed themselves to enhancing the lives of Ramsey County’s young people, ages 14-24, by fostering their personal and professional growth. Chan, program coordinator at Saint Paul Public Schools, was the recipient of the Legacy Award and DeClercq-Ransom of Elpis Enterprises received the Rising Star Award.
 Pictured (l to r): Bre Galuska, Jonathan Banks, Youth Committee Chair Aalayha Traub, WIB Executive Director Ling Becker, Hannah Chan, WIB Chair Elisa Rasmussen, LaShay DeClercq-Ransom, DEED Commissioner Matt Varilek, and Paul Ramsour.
Governor Tim Walz has declared April Second Chance Month, and the WIB continues to be strongly committed to ensuring that all our residents who have been impacted by the criminal justice system have equitable opportunities for employment and training. There is ample evidence that second chance hiring is good for people and communities.
- Employment Background Checks Unfairly Hold Back Millions of Workers, Disproportionately Workers of Color
- Communities Achieve Greater Economic Stability After Removing Job Barriers Faced by Workers with Records
- Quality Employment is Critical to Successfully Rejoining One’s Community After Incarceration
- Children and Families Also Suffer When People with Records Lack Access to Good Jobs
- Fair Chance Policies Expand Employment Opportunities for People with Records
- Workers with Records Defy Negative Stereotypes
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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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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Job Connect is Ramsey County’s job board created in collaboration with local chambers of commerce, economic development organizations and municipalities. It is free for employers and job seekers to use and includes several unique features, such as the ability to search for youth friendly jobs and by transit accessibility, keyword and location using an interactive map. Consider posting your organization’s job openings and sharing with individuals looking for jobs in Ramsey County.
Visit the Job Connect webpage to learn more!
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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 organizations are Wildflyer Coffee and Saint Paul Port Authority.
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Katie Kapaun
Center Director, Hubert H. Humphrey Job Corps Center
WIB Member since 2024
What are some of the most significant employment challenges for young people today?
Young people looking for employment today display a significant skills gap compared to the previous youth we have served. The COVID-19 pandemic impacted today’s youth in the areas of interpersonal skills, soft skills, and independent living skills. Youth have become comfortable with utilizing technology as their primary form of communication and display challenges specifically with face-to-face interactions, dealing with conflicts, and how to use technology appropriately on the jobsite. Additionally, many of the youth have no previous work experience. They have not worked in teams, faced challenging customers, or had to problem solve situations on their own. Another challenge is transportation. Our students struggle with long waitlists for driver’s license testing. Without a valid license, students must navigate mass transit to get to work.
Learn more about Katie.
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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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Investing in Success: The Business Case for Fair Chance Hiring
April 9
12 p.m.
What is holding you back from implementing fair chance hiring practices? Don’t let misconceptions keep you from hiring qualified candidates because of a record of arrests, convictions, or incarceration. Join Jobs for the Future for this special LinkedIn Live event as we set the record straight with the undeniable business case for fair chance hiring. A panel of experts will share real-life examples, insights, and strategies to help your business thrive with this updated and inclusive hiring practice.
Learn more and RSVP.
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 Fair Opportunities Re-entry Simulation event
April 16
9-11 a.m.
Repowered, 860 Vandalia Street, Saint Paul, MN 55114
Participants can role-play the part of an individual recently released from jail or prison who is attempting to successfully reenter society. By navigating a scenario-based simulation,
employers and other stakeholders gain a fuller understanding of specific obstacles people face and how we can work together to provide a fair chance for employment.
Register now or contact Jay Grossman (jgrossman@getrepowered.org) with questions.
 Youth Job and Resource Fair
April 20
10 a.m.-noon
Maplewood Mall, 3001 White Bear Ave. - Kohl's Corridor
The Youth Job and Resource Job Fair is again coming to the Maplewood Mall. Local employers are eager to meet youth ages 15-18! Join us for some fun job searching by connecting with employers and resources, apply and interview for jobs, earn swag and more!
Learn more.
 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. If you are interested in learning more about environmental activities in the county, this event is for you.
Connect with these employers and resources:
Learn more.
 Reinventing Our Construction Workforce Through Technology Advancements
May 2, 8-11:30 a.m.
Knutson Construction, 7515 Wayzata Blvd, Minneapolis
Join us for an exciting event exploring the cutting-edge technologies evolving the construction industry. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn from industry leaders, participate in interactive panel discussion, and even experience live demos of the newest construction technology equipment in action.
Don’t miss out on this invaluable opportunity to network with fellow construction professionals, gain valuable insights and stay of ahead of the curve in this rapidly evolving industry.
Learn more.
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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The skills revolution: redefining hiring practices for the future
In today's rapidly evolving job market, skills-based hiring is gaining traction in place of more traditional hiring methods. Erin Olson, Senior Director of Strategic Research, RealTime Talent, describes it as a transformative shift where candidates' skills take precedence over conventional markers like experience or education. Employers seeking a more inclusive and effective hiring process are embracing this approach, characterized by setting and measuring specific skills.
"Skills-based hiring represents a transformative shift in the recruitment landscape, where candidates are assessed based on their demonstrated abilities rather than traditional credentials," emphasizes Olson. “By focusing on specific skill requirements and measuring for these skills, employers can create a more inclusive and effective hiring process that identifies top talent based on merit rather than pedigree.”
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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