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 May 2025
This May, we’re proud to celebrate Tech Month by showcasing the people, programs, and partnerships driving innovation in Ramsey County’s tech ecosystem. Whether you’re a job seeker mapping your next move, an employer seeking skilled talent, or a community partner committed to economic growth, this issue offers a wealth of resources and events to support your goals.
This month’s newsletter also highlights a wide range of workforce initiatives—from the Inclusive Employer Toolkit and hiring opportunities at the new CareerForce location and the Roseville Library, to insights from the CERT Connect Open House and details on upcoming events across our community.
On behalf of the Workforce Innovation Board of Ramsey County (WIB), thank you for your continued partnership. Your commitment and collaboration are what make our workforce ecosystem so vibrant and resilient. As always, we hope the stories and resources shared here inform, inspire, and support the important work you do every day.
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 Technology continues to be a powerful driver of innovation and economic opportunity in Ramsey County. While the tech industry is experiencing a more measured pace of hiring, demand for tech skills remains strong—especially as digital tools become more embedded in fields like healthcare, finance, and manufacturing.
We’re celebrating Tech Month by spotlighting the talent, training, and career pathways that support a thriving local tech ecosystem. Visit our Tech Month page on the Ramsey County website to access events, workforce data, and resources supporting tech talent and employers in our region.
The new CareerForce location in Saint Paul is hosting its first in person Employer of the Day event on May 13, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Come meet with a representative from Doherty Staffing Solutions to learn about entry-level openings in manufacturing, warehouse and administrative roles. Pay ranges from $17–$22 per hour. Ideal for candidates with a strong work ethic, reliability and a willingness to learn.
Learn more about the first Employer of the Day event at Metro Square.
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Ramsey County is committed to continuing our work by partnering whenever possible. The county strives to remain innovative and efficient in both its outreach and contracting practices. The Central Certification Program (CERT) is dedicated to helping small businesses succeed by streamlining access to jobs and contracts with participating counties and cities. Events like the CERT Connect Open House create a valuable space for collaboration and help move us all forward.
This year’s event was a success with 91 businesses in attendance, making it Ramsey County’s largest CERT Connect Open House to date. For some attendees, it was their very first government procurement event. One contractor shared that she made five solid new connections, while others noted that this annual gathering has led to real contracting opportunities.
Read more.
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On April 24, over 300 students and young adult job seekers attended Level-Up, a career and resource fair at the Saint Paul Eastside YMCA. Led by Twin Cities Talent Hub, partners across the ecosystem provide next step opportunities for job seekers between the ages of 18-24. Employers shared information around hiring and training programs, while organizations like Ramsey County shared resources for support services.
When a young person graduates from high school, their connections to supportive environments may also be severed. Level-Up provides the opportunity for students to be informed prior to graduation about the multitude of agencies and opportunities ready to support their next phase of their lives. By partnering together, the Chambers, Workforce Solutions and the WIB have been able to expand the scope of support for individuals in Ramsey County.
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Inclusive Employer Toolkit: Supporting employees for long-term success
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 Systems of Support section of the toolkit highlights the importance of building internal structures that promote inclusion and ensure all employees have the resources they need to succeed. This includes practices such as creating employee resource groups, offering mental health and wellness support, and establishing clear channels for feedback and accountability. By embedding support systems into the workplace culture, employers can foster a more inclusive, responsive, and resilient organization where every employee feels seen, heard, and supported.
View the toolkit.
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 We’re thrilled to launch the 2025 Inclusive Workplaces Cohort, a 9-month peer learning journey designed to help Ramsey County employers build more inclusive and supportive workplaces. Each month, we’ll spotlight one of the participating organizations that’s leaning into this important work. This month's spotlight is Every Meal, an organization making meaningful strides toward inclusion. Follow along on social media and in future WIB newsletters to see how these employers are leading by example.
Spring is the perfect time to begin exploring opportunities in construction. Revisiting a past Local Look Blog, we discovered that the construction industry sector typically witnesses a 15% seasonal bump in employment between the first and second quarters of the year. That's a lot of jobs, especially considering the metro area had about 85,500 Construction jobs during its peak in 2024. And these jobs range from carpenters, electricians and plumbers, to cost estimators, secretaries and heavy & tractor-trailer truck drivers and more.
Continue reading the article by Tim O'Neill, DEED Regional Analyst.
The WIB is currently accepting membership applications for the 2025-2027 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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Ismail Ali
Director of Talent Initiatives, Minnesota Technology Association
Member since 2024
What are some of the most exciting career opportunities for those looking to enter or grow in the industry?
For those entering the tech industry, roles like technical support specialist or help desk can be great launch points. These positions build foundational skills and often serve as a springboard into other areas. For those looking to grow, the most exciting opportunities can come through continuous learning, staying current with emerging technologies, and connecting with others at industry events. Tech moves quickly, so curiosity and adaptability are key to long-term success.
Learn more about Ismail.
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 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, community resources and volunteer opportunities!
Learn more.
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 Paid Leave Employer Engagement Session
May 7, 8-10 a.m.
Shoreview Community Center, 4580 Victoria St N
Starting Jan. 1, 2026, Minnesota Paid Leave will provide payments and job protections to Minnesotans when they need time off for some of life’s most important moments – like welcoming a child, recovering from a serious illness, or caring for a loved one. As an employer, you play an important role in helping your employees learn about and access the program.
Minnesota Paid Leave staff are partnering with local chambers of commerce for a series of in-person engagement sessions for employers. At these sessions, we will provide an overview of the program, share recent updates, answer your questions, and help you prepare to meet your responsibilities under Paid Leave. Light refreshments will be served.
Register today for this free Minnesota Paid Leave Employer Engagement event.
 Workforce Wednesday: It takes a village: Resident Recruitment & Community Impacts on Workforce
May 7, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Join the Workforce Strategy Consultants and a panel of experts for an engaging discussion that explores the critical connection between resident recruitment and workforce development. The expert panelists will share insights and strategies on how communities can attract and retain residents to support a thriving local workforce. This discussion will provide actionable ideas and real-world examples to help you navigate the challenges and opportunities of resident recruitment.
This discussion is intended for employers, community leaders and workforce development professionals.
To register.
Veterans Career Fair
May 21, 2-6 p.m.
Heritage Center of Brooklyn Center, 6155 Earle Brown Dr.
Are you looking for a higher salary and a great career? Work for an employer that recognizes
and appreciates your military service and the value you bring to their team!
The Veterans Career Fair features:
- 100 employers who want to meet you.
- Complimentary LinkedIn photography station available for job seekers.
- Resume review assistance.
- Interview preparation.
- Service providers offering assistance for veterans and their families.
There is no cost to attend and registration is not required
- Come prepared with copies of your updated resume.
- Dress for the job you want!
Learn more.
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Diversity is one of Ramsey County’s biggest strengths, and it is reflected in the latest workforce research. A recent webinar exploring five top workforce trends indicates Ramsey County is home to Minnesota’s most diverse population of prime working-age adults – ages 25 to 44. The county also boasts an overall diversity index of 67.4. In the webinar presented by Erin Olson, Senior Director of Strategic Research for RealTime Talent, Olson explained the index refers to a 67.4% chance that two residents picked at random would be from different race or ethnic groups.
“Diversity is our competitive advantage here in Ramsey County,” Olson said. “We are the youngest county on average statewide and have the most diverse population of all Minnesota counties. That translates into the most diverse workforce of any county statewide as well as the most diverse population of young people under the age of 25.”
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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