Workforce Development Board news and updates
Message from the chair
September is Workforce Development Month—a time to pause and reflect on the incredible work happening across our city and state. Behind every number we report whether it’s jobs created, wages earned, or training completed there is a story of a person whose life has been changed. Families are more secure and businesses are stronger because of our collective efforts.
As we celebrate, let us also look forward. We are embracing skills-based hiring and expanding apprenticeship opportunities. We are fostering collaboration between employers and jobseekers. As a result, we are building not just a stronger workforce, but a more inclusive and resilient economy.
Thank you to everyone—our partners, employers, and community members who make this possible. Together, we are shaping the future of work in Minneapolis.
In partnership,
Dr. Tara Watson
Chair, Minneapolis Workforce Development Board
|
 This month we are celebrating the hard work and accomplishments of our workforce development system and the people who make it happen. We often share the numbers of people placed in jobs and wages earned, but there are stories behind these numbers. Lives are changed; businesses are strengthened.
 Join us! The Minneapolis Workforce Development Board and metro area partners are supporting half-day Minnesota Skills-based Hiring Accelerator workshops around the Twin Cities. Employers can learn more about best practices in talent acquisition and development. From job descriptions to interviewing to training, improve your team’s ability to assess candidate knowledge and skills and build a more diverse and talented workforce.
Upcoming sessions:
Tuesday, Sept. 23, from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. at the Chaska CareerForce (602 E. Fourth St.)
Tuesday, Oct. 28, from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. at the Blaine Human Services Center (1201 89th Ave. NE, Suite 2402)
Tuesday, Dec.16, from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. at the north Minneapolis CareerForce (800 W. Broadway Ave.)
Learn more and register on the Minnesota Skills-based Hiring Accelerator website.
To learn more about Minneapolis Employment and Training resources for your workforce, email Marie Larson or call her 612-505-2744.
In July, Minnesota's job market showed small signs of slowing down, similar to national trends. The state lost 4,400 jobs, and the unemployment rate rose slightly to 3.5%. Fewer people were working or looking for work, and the participation rate dipped to 68.1%.
Still, Minnesota’s job growth over the past year was stronger than the U.S. average. We saw over 35,000 new jobs added – mostly in the private sector. Wages also grew faster in Minnesota than across the country. Average private sector pay rose to $40.09 an hour, up 6.5% from last year.
"We may now be seeing results of mass federal layoffs and funding interruptions, erratic tariffs and shrinking immigration," said Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) Commissioner Matt Varilek. "Even so, some of the favorable qualities about Minnesota's labor market remained consistent in July, with low unemployment, significant wage growth and high labor force participation."
Some industries, like education & health services and construction, added jobs. Others, such as government and business services, saw losses. Despite these recent shifts, Minnesota’s labor market remains steady. We continue to see strong wage growth and higher participation than the U.S. overall.
Visit the Minnesota DEED website to read the full press release.
|
Apprenticeship Outreach Office
Apprenticeship is a great way to learn a new job while earning a paycheck!
Located in the north Minneapolis CareerForce at 800 W. Broadway, the Apprenticeship Outreach Office provides information and guidance to job seekers. In addition to opportunities in the trades, registered apprenticeships are available across multiple industries. Join the next monthly Apprenticeship 101 workshop scheduled at CareerForce to learn more.
|
|
 |
Step Up 2025 on Repeat
 Step Up wrapped up another successful year. The end of year celebration captured highlights and reflections but was a little different this year. The Minneapolis Employment and Training team reviewed the program year with a fun, creative ceremony online. Step Up on Repeat was a combination of live stream and pre-recorded reflections, recognition, and celebrations.
September 2025 meeting
Minneapolis Workforce Development Board
Tuesday, Sept 16, 2025
8 - 9:30 a.m.
North Minneapolis CareerForce
Second floor conference room
Minneapolis, MN 55441
DEED’s Data Center
DEED on Twitter
CareerForce on Twitter
|
