Workforce Development Board news and updates
Message from the Chair
Spring is just around the corner, and we're kicking off the new year with exciting momentum. As we gear up for another impactful season of Step Up—our long-standing, high-quality youth summer internship program—we invite you to be part of this transformative experience. Read below to discover how you can get involved and make a difference!
March is also Explore Construction Employment month in Minnesota. Opportunities in Minnesota’s construction industry are booming, and March is the perfect time to explore them. With events happening across the state, this is your chance to connect with industry experts, discover apprenticeship programs, and learn how to kick-start or advance your career in construction.
If you or someone you know has been impacted by job loss, Dislocated Worker Services are available to help federal employees and other laid-off workers transition into new opportunities. As the employment landscape evolves, we’re keeping a close watch on federal changes that may affect jobs and our work in employment and training.
I hope you will be able to join us for updates, announcements and a lively panel discussion at our next Minneapolis Workforce Development Board meeting on Tuesday, March 18.
Dr. Tara Watson, Chair Minneapolis Workforce Development Board
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 Invest in the future - host a Step Up intern this summer!
For over 20 years, the City of Minneapolis has operated the Step Up program, connecting motivated young people with meaningful, paid summer internships that help shape their futures. But we can’t do it without leaders like you. By becoming a Step Up employer, you’re not just offering a job—you’re opening a door to opportunity, fostering diverse talent, and helping build the next generation of skilled professionals. You’ll gain fresh perspectives, contribute to workforce development, and make a real impact on a young person’s career journey. So far, 500 employers have stepped up—but we need more. Join us in shaping the future, strengthening our workforce, and investing in the leaders of tomorrow. Visit the Step Up employer page on our website to learn how you can get involved.
Commit to hosting a Step Up intern today!
Resources for laid off workers
The Dislocated Worker program provides free, personalized services to help workers who have been laid off through no fault of their own:
- Career Planning and Counseling
- Education and training support
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Assistance with expenses needed to help you achieve employment or training goals
Visit the City of Minneapolis' Dislocated Worker web page or contact staff at a CareerForce location near you for help preparing for and finding new employment.
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 Funding is now available to help support workforce training
Applications for the latest round of Dual Training Grants and the Legal Cannabis Dual Training Grants are now open. Dual training grants can be used to help cover costs related to instruction for industry-recognized degrees, certifications or credentials for employees. Grant writing workshops are available. More details on grant eligibility and the application process or details on workshops and timelines are available on the Minnesota Office of Higher Education's website. For more information and support, contact the team at 651-284-5355 or PIPELINE.Program@state.mn.us.
Labor market information
Did you catch the presentation by Tim O'Neill, Regional Labor Market Analyst for the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, at our last meeting? Tim shared some great insights on what is happening in our local workforce. During the presentation, Tim mentioned the most recent Trends publications from the state:
September 2024 - includes articles on green & clean employment, AI exposure in Minnesota's economy, and projections on the workforce.
December 2024 - includes articles on Career and Technical Education (CTE), poverty rates, long-term projections, and long-term care.
Additional labor market publications and tools may be found on the department's Data Center web page.
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Apprenticeship Outreach Office
This month is Explore Construction Employment month. One of the most popular ways to get into the industry is through registered apprenticeships.
Located in the north Minneapolis CareerForce at 800 W Broadway, the Apprenticeship Outreach Office is providing information and guidance to job seekers. In addition to construction, registered apprenticeships are available across multiple industries. Visit one of the Apprenticeship 101 workshops to learn more.
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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.
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March 2025 meeting
Minneapolis Workforce Development Board
Tuesday, March 18, 2025
8 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
North Minneapolis CareerForce
2nd floor conference room
Minneapolis, MN 55441
DEED's Data Center
DEED on Twitter
CareerForce on Twitter
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