Minneapolis Workforce Development Board elects a new chairperson

The role of the Minneapolis Workforce Development Board (MWDB) is to develop workforce services, build equitable opportunities, and advance economic inclusion. The Board launches workforce initiatives, establishes programs and also creates partnerships to strengthen the local workforce and connect job seekers to employers. CPED’s Employment and Training team is the administrative entity for MWDB.

In September, the Board elected a new chair, Dr. Tara Watson. Dr. Watson is the owner of Watson Chiropractic located on West Broadway Avenue and several other small businesses. Before becoming Chair, she served as the Vice Chair. Congratulations, Dr. Watson!

OIRA community office hours at south Minneapolis CareerForce

The Minneapolis Employment and Training team (MET) and the Minneapolis Workforce Development Board oversee employment and training services available through CareerForce locations in Minneapolis. Our work serves thousands of residents each year. Many of them are newcomers born outside the U.S.

The City’s Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs (OIRA) now has drop-in community office hours at CareerForce on Lake Street in south Minneapolis. During community office hours, newcomers can explore pathways to citizenship and employment; and discover resources available through other City departments and community organizations. Community office hours are listed on the OIRA calendar.

Board member speaks at Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development Summit in Duluth

In September, we were thrilled to have Minneapolis Workforce Development Board member, Marcus Pope, as a panelist at the 2^nd annual Minnesota Workforce Summit speaking on youth employment issues.

Other attendees included Board Chair, Dr. Watson, board member, Leona Martin, and MET Director, Deb Bahr-Helgen. It was informational and inspiring to have 300 people gathered in Duluth to address our state’s workforce issues. Topics covered AI in the workplace, new arrival resources and information about DEED’s new reasonable accommodations fund for employers.

2024 Fall Workforce Symposium was a big success

MET partnered with the Minneapolis Regional Chamber of Commerce to host the successful 2024 Fall Workforce Development Symposium at Minneapolis College on Oct. 9. Ninety-eight attendees represented employers in all major Minneapolis industries.

The Minnesota Star Tribune’s Brooks Johnson highlighted the publication’s annual Top Employer survey in opening remarks. Brooks then moderated a panel representing three top-rated employers: Sunrise Banks, Ryan Construction, and the ECMC Group. A round of high-energy speed networking and breakout sessions followed. Session topics included:

• Skills-based hiring
• Supporting employees with disabilities
• Hiring individuals born outside of the U.S.
• Employee development through registered apprenticeship and the Talent Development Program

Employer feedback has been resoundingly positive. “It was one of the best Workforce events I’ve attended,” said Joy Nguyen, director of community engagement and outreach/talent development for Marsden. “I made new connections and already have follow-up meetings scheduled. Thank you for all your hard work in putting together such a great group of panelists and presenters!”

City Council adopts cannabis zoning amendment

Minneapolis City Council adopted the Adult Use Cannabis Amendment to the City Zoning Code at their Oct. 31 meeting. This amendment will regulate when, where, and how cannabis businesses can operate in Minneapolis. These adopted rules aim to facilitate a transition to adult use licensing for existing low-potency hemp retailers and foster a thriving cannabis industry while ensuring the safety and health of residents.

To stay up to date on the adult-use cannabis industry in Minneapolis visit the City's cannabis web page or sign up for the Minneapolis Cannabis Insights newsletter.

Help for employers to train workers

Do you need help training or upskilling your employees? Programs are available to help!

Talent Development Program

Businesses have a new tool help offset a portion of the costs to train their employees. The Talent Development Program is a business-driven funding assistance resource for qualifying Minnesota employers to provide skills training to full-time, permanent employees. Training could be in technical or business skills that helps the employers improve their processes and competitiveness and/or avert a layoff. For more information, contact Marie Larson at marie.larson@minneapolismn.gov. 

National Apprenticeship Week is November 18 - 24

Apprenticeship helps provide a structured opportunity for employees to gain skills and experience, learning in the classroom and on the job. Apprenticeships benefit workers by providing a clear pathway with paid work as they build skills and results in an industry-recognized credential. For employers, you are building your own pipeline of workers that are becoming training in the skills you need.

The Minneapolis Workforce Development Board, Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) and Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) are partnering to provide more resources to connect job seekers to registered apprenticeships. This month, DLI released the Registered Apprenticeship Program Application Directory to help get more information about registered apprenticeship programs out to the public.

To find out how to register an apprenticeship for your business, visit the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry website here.