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 April 2025
Greetings partners!
As we step into April, I’m thrilled to highlight the incredible work being done to support and empower youth in Ramsey County. From expanding career pathways to recognizing the champions who make a difference in young people’s lives, our collective efforts are shaping the future of our workforce.
This month, we also celebrate the release of our 2024 Annual Business Report. The data and stories reflect the dedication of the Workforce Innovation Board of Ramsey County (WIB) members, Workforce Solutions staff, and community partners in building an inclusive and thriving workforce. I encourage you to take a moment to explore the report and see the impact of our work together.
On behalf of the WIB, thank you for your continued commitment to strengthening opportunities for all.
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 We are excited to share the 2024 Annual Business Report for the WIB and Workforce Solutions. This year’s report reflects our collective commitment to investing in people, partnerships, and service delivery—the theme that has guided our work throughout the year.
The report highlights the dedication of our board members, the hard work of Workforce Solutions staff, and the invaluable contributions of our community partners. Together, we have strengthened Ramsey County’s workforce and expanded opportunities for both job seekers and employers.
The WIB and Workforce Solutions remain committed to building a workforce that is competitive, inclusive, and responsive to the evolving needs of our economy. Thank you for your support of this important work.
Read the report.
We are so grateful for the many dedicated and hard-working professionals who work in youth workforce development in Ramsey County. On April 3, the WIB proudly acknowledged the achievements of Donnell Bratton and Stephany Aguirre Lopez as the recipients of the 2025 Youth Workforce Champion Awards. These individuals have shown outstanding dedication to nurturing and empowering the youth of Ramsey County through personal and career development initiatives.
Their efforts in guiding young people towards employment opportunities and essential resources underscore their unwavering commitment to enhancing the lives of our youth. Congratulations to Donnell and Stephany!
Learn more about this year's award recipients.
 Pictured (l to r): Youth Committee Chair Aalayha Traub, Ramsey County Commissioner Kelly Miller, Donnell Bratton (Legacy Award recipient), Stephany Aguirre Lopez (Rising Star Award recipient), WIB Executive Director Catrice O'Neal and WIB Chair Elisa Rasmussen.
CareerForce in Saint Paul opened its doors at a new location in the Metro Square Building, moving from its previous site at Fairview and University Avenue. The new space is designed to better serve job seekers and employers with the help of state and county staff. The range of career services include job search assistance, resume writing support and coordinated referrals with workforce training and education partners.
The CareerForce site is located across the hall from Ramsey County’s downtown Service Center, making it easier for visitors to access workforce services while receiving other county support.
The CareerForce team was excited to welcome Bobby, who was seeking help with his job search! “The service I received today was excellent,” said Bobby, the first visitor at the new location. “I feel like I’m on the right track now.”
Bobby worked with a career counselor from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development to refine his resume and explore job opportunities.
During its opening week, CareerForce served 104 job seekers and is now open and ready to serve residents and continuing its mission to connect people with meaningful work.
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On Feb. 27, Catrice O’Neil, Director of Workforce Solutions, was honored with a 5-year recognition as a member of the Association of Women Contractors. This membership has provided Ramsey County with valuable opportunities to engage with the small business construction community through educational programs and networking forums.
Partnerships like these ensure the county has a seat at the table, reinforcing its commitment to supporting local small businesses. By fostering these connections, businesses gain valuable insights into purchasing and contracting processes, strengthening the local economy and creating more inclusive opportunities.
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Explore an innovative and collaborative approach to fostering economic resilience and community wealth in Saint Paul: worker cooperatives. These unique ownership models provide a compelling opportunity to engage employees as co-owners, promoting shared responsibility, equitable decision-making, and long-term stability for your business.
Worker cooperatives are businesses that are owned and democratically governed by the employees. This model empowers workers and strengthens the local economy by keeping resources and profits within the community.
For business owners, transitioning to a worker cooperative can offer a succession solution, increase employee retention, and build a dedicated workforce. Whether you are considering retirement, enhancing workplace culture, or investing in your community, now is a great time to explore the possibility of converting to a worker cooperative.
Register for the upcoming free business planning webinar series. Each webinar builds upon the last and is aligned with the LOCAL Fund application. Sessions will take place (almost) every other Thursday, 3 - 4:30 p.m. from April until June. By the end of the series, if the LOCAL Fund is a good fit for you and your team, you will be ready to apply!
Learn more.
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Inclusive Employer Toolkit: Create a welcoming start
Workforce Solutions and the WIB are leading efforts to support employers to create a sense of welcoming for all employees within their organizations. One of these efforts is to provide an Inclusive Employer Toolkit. The toolkit aims to help employers provide a more welcoming environment for all by offering practices to build inclusion in the areas of employee recruitment, hiring, onboarding and retention.
The Onboarding section of the toolkit provides resources to help employers create a welcoming and supportive experience for new employees, setting the foundation for long-term success. It offers guidance on developing structured onboarding programs that foster connection, clarity, and confidence from day one. Key strategies include assigning mentors, providing clear communication about workplace expectations and resources, and ensuring all employees feel valued and included in workplace culture. By prioritizing an inclusive onboarding process, employers can enhance employee engagement, reduce turnover, and build a stronger, more connected workforce.
View the toolkit.
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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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Fidelity Goodlaxson
Director of Business Operations, Community Action Partnership of Ramsey & Washington Counties
Member since 2023
I am currently the Director of Financial Opportunity Programs at Community Action Partnership of Ramsey and Washington Counties (CAPRW), where I have had the pleasure of serving the Ramsey and Washington County communities for the past five years. Before joining CAPRW, I spent 15 years in Adult Basic Education and English Language Learning, supporting refugees and immigrants on their path to success through various academic and workforce skills-based programs. In my current role at CAPRW, I continue to build on that background by working with our participants to ensure they and their families achieve economic stability, providing a strong foundation as they work to move out of poverty. I firmly believe that education and employment are two of the greatest tools in the fight against poverty and am always seeking partnerships and programs to serve the most vulnerable members of our community.
Learn more about Fidelity.
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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 Maplewood 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
Thursdays, 3–5 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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 Minnesota Monthly Small Business Call
April 8, 2 p.m.- noon
The Small Business Call is an opportunity for small business owners to have a conversation with business experts and their peers.
This month's meeting will feature a member of the Minneapolis office of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) who will speak about services for Veterans and their spouses that includes access to capital and government contracting.
To submit a question ahead of the event, contact smallbusiness@state.mn.us.
Learn more.
MN Skills-Based Hiring Accelerator Workshop
April 18, 8 a.m.- noon, 5980 Golden Hills Dr, Golden Valley
The Management Group the Twin Cities Society of Human Resource Professionals (TC-SHRM) will be hosting the April MN Skills-Based Hiring Workshop.
No need to be a TC-SHRM member to sign up for this event. Use the code MNSkillsAprilProgram to register to receive the regular cost of $50.
This event will focus on the skills-based employee hiring design, covering everything from job descriptions and interviews to onboarding and professional development. The session will also explore how a focus on competencies and skills can help HR navigate compensation and pay transparency models and foster a supportive training and development culture.
Click here to register.
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 Employer Webinar - Unlocking Inclusivity: How ERAF Can Transform Your Business
April 23, 2-3 p.m.
Through the Department of Employment and Economic Development’s (DEED’s) Employer Reasonable Accommodation Fund (ERAF), small to mid-sized Minnesota businesses can request reimbursements for up to $30,000 in expenses related to providing reasonable accommodations for job applicants and employees with disabilities.
This opportunity not only simplifies the process of making your workplace accessible but also connects fantastic businesses with outstanding talent. Don't miss out on learning how your business can thrive through inclusivity and strategic support.
It’s simple, it’s easy, and it connects great workers with great businesses.
Register today.
Level Up Young Adult Job and Resource Fair
April 24
Saint Paul Eastside YMCA
Twin Cities Talent Hub is excited to host Level-Up, a young adult career and resource fair. The collaboration between Workforce Solutions, St. Paul Area Chamber and the Minneapolis Regional Chamber is excited to bring together employers, education and training programs from across the ecosystem to provide next step opportunities for graduating high school seniors and young adults.
For questions or how to get involved, visit the TC Talent Hub website.
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 MN Construction Crew 11th Annual Hiring Expo
April 29, 8-11 a.m.
LIUNA Local 563 Office, 620 12th Ave S, Minneapolis
Looking to break into the construction industry? Don’t miss the MN Construction Crew 11th Annual Hiring Expo!
Meet with construction employers and union representatives to learn about apprenticeship programs and available job opportunities. This is a prime opportunity to ask questions, make connections, and take the first step toward a rewarding career in the trades.
- Open to youth and young adults interested in construction careers
- Hands-on demonstrations and networking opportunities
- No registration required — just show up and explore!
 Youth Job & Resource Fair
May 3,10 a.m.-noon.
Maplewood Mall, 3001 White Bear Avenue N, Suite 1022A, Maplewood
Workforce Solutions is excited to again host the Youth Job and Resource Fair at the Ramsey County Service Center in Maplewood Mall.
Youth ages 14-18, as well as their parents, guardians, or chaperones, are invited to attend and explore summer jobs, mentor programs, and volunteer opportunities!
Learn more.
 Drive for 5: Unlocking High-Growth Career Pathways in the Metro Area
May 15, 9:30-10:30 a.m. via Zoom Webinar
The Drive for 5 initiative created sector partnerships across the state and help fill in-demand positions in technology, the trades, caring professions, manufacturing, and education. The initiative is focused on those five sectors because they are in high demand, are projected to be high-growth, and provide family-sustaining wages. It intends to support Minnesotans to move into high-growth employment opportunities with family-sustaining wages and prioritizes training for populations that face some of the most significant barriers to employment: people of color, people with disabilities, and those that face other systemic barriers.
Having a place-based understanding of the most critical in-demand, family-sustaining careers is essential for prioritizing creation and expansion of programs that match local opportunities. RealTime Talent’s Senior Director of Strategic Research, Erin Olson, will present each sector’s top five MSP Metro “gateway careers” which meet the wage and demand requirements of Drive for 5 and do not require a four-year or advanced degree, and how the demand for these occupations varies across the region.
Register today.
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A recent Expand the Toolbox event and panel hosted at Ramsey County’s Plato building zeroed in on construction industry demographics, focusing on generational differences in the workplace. Data shared at the event revealed that employment in the construction industry in Ramsey County is forecast to decline by approximately 0.5% annually through 2029 after experiencing annual growth of 1.2% for the past five years. This is in alignment with overall employment forecasts for the region, partially attributed to local declining population trends and an increase in net-migration to suburban and semi-rural neighboring counties.
Throughout 2025, Workforce Solutions is highlighting different workplace trends and showcasing how communities and organizations across Ramsey County are changing and adapting. Assessing changes in demographics and migration is key for personalizing workforce development and achieving the best results for employers and workers.
Continue to the full article.
As Ramsey County’s workforce evolves, understanding key trends is crucial for fostering a thriving and resilient economy. Throughout 2025, these articles will explore the critical workforce trends shaping our communities. The trends were presented by Erin Olson, Senior Director of Strategic Research at RealTime Talent at the Top Trends to Watch in 2025 in Ramsey County’s Workforce Landscape webinar in February.
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