September is workforce development month in Minnesota, a time to highlight what CareerForce staff and partners do every day to help connect people who need to work with the employers who need them.
This September, these workforce development professionals throughout the state will continue helping Minnesotans whose enhanced unemployment benefits are expiring.
Approximately 100,000 Minnesotans are expected to lose those enhanced benefits, which were established by the federal government to help people weather the pandemic.
There are many factors why people have had challenges in finding work, from COVID-19 concerns to lack of child care to mismatches between available jobs and a person’s skillset, location or scheduling requirements.
That’s why what CareerForce workforce development professionals do every day is more important than ever. CareerForce is the state’s official workforce development system, make up of DEED staff, non-profit and education partners, as well as businesses and other leaders throughout the state. CareerForce helps people explore employment options, leverage current skills for jobs in demand, prepare for a successful job search with resume and interview prep assistance – and so much more.
“Many people may not know that there are tens of thousands of good jobs available right now, and a significant number of career path jobs only require a high school diploma and some short term training,” said Lorrie Janatopoulos, CareerForce Director at DEED. “Many manufacturing positions on promising career tracks can be started with on-the-job training. Many health care positions offer training paid for by employers, are in historically high demand and offer many opportunities for career growth. We are working to make sure Minnesotans are aware of these opportunities, understand the educational requirements and are prepared to get on promising career paths.”
If you’re a Minnesotan looking for work, contact a CareerForce location near you for help over the phone, online or in-person by appointment. You are also invited to watch a recording of a Facebook live event highlighting how CareerForce can help you. CareerForce services are available at no cost to Minnesotans looking for work.
This Workforce Development month, the efforts of CareerForce professionals across the state are more important than ever in connecting people with employment and helping Minnesota employers find the workers they need to succeed.
