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Workforce Strategy Consultants share what works with Minnesota employers

Minnesota employers, you're invited to join in a monthly discussion of current workforce challenges and solutions.

Join the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development Workforce Strategy Consultant team the first Wednesday of the month from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. This series of virtual meetings focuses on highlighting proven strategies to build talent pipelines, hearing and sharing best practices, and networking with other Minnesota employers about all things workforce. Join us to learn:

  • How to increase your number of applicants and new hires  
  • About tools for reviewing and enhancing your current training programs  
  • Ways to enhance Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) within your workplace 
  • How to be recognized as an employer of choice in your industry 

Upcoming Events

All events are virtual (held on Teams) from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. on the first Wednesday of the month. Unplugged session follows each event from 12 to 12:30 p.m. 

April 2, 2025

Powering Workforce Success: Leveraging Industry Sector Partnerships

This session will explore how industry sector partnerships, drive workforce development and business success. Employers participating in these partnerships gain a competitive edge by shaping training programs to align with industry needs, reducing onboarding time and boosting productivity. They also access collaborative funding opportunities, including grants and shared resources, making workforce development more scalable and cost-effective. These partnerships strengthen community ties, enhance local economic impact, and build an employer’s reputation as a proactive contributor to workforce growth—ultimately improving recruitment and retention efforts.

11 a.m. - noon - panel discussion
Noon - 12:30 p.m. - "unplugged" time when you can unmute and ask questions of panelists and Workforce Strategy Consultants

Register now

If you have any issues registering, please try using Google Chrome.

This event will be recorded and will be made available for viewing after the event.

For general questions and accommodation requests, please email shayla.drake@state.mn.us 

May 7, 2025

It takes a village: Resident Recruitment & Community Impacts on Workforce

Join us for an engaging panel discussion that explores the critical connection between resident recruitment and workforce development. Our expert panelists will share insights and strategies on how communities can attract and retain residents to support a thriving local workforce.  Whether you’re a community leader, business owner, or workforce advocate, this discussion will provide actionable ideas and real-world examples to help you navigate the challenges and opportunities of resident recruitment.

11 a.m. - noon - panel discussion
Noon - 12:30 p.m. - "unplugged" time when you can unmute and ask questions of panelists and Workforce Strategy Consultants

Register now

If you have any issues registering, please try using Google Chrome.

This event will be recorded and will be made available for viewing after the event.

For general questions and accommodation requests, please email rebecca.zoubek@state.mn.us 

June 4, 2025

Workforce Consultation strategies

The workforce strategy consultation process is a method used  to involve employers to discuss the future of their companies and workforce. It involves an intial assessment of a company's workforce needs, indentifying skill gaps, analyzing furture demands, development & implmentation of strategies, and evaluating their effeciveness to ensure alignment with a company's goals. This proactive approach not only fortifies current operations but sets the stage for sustainalbe growth and success.

11 a.m. - noon - panel discussion
Noon - 12:30 p.m. - "unplugged" time when you can unmute and ask questions of panelists and Workforce Strategy Consultants

Register now

If you have any issues registering, please try using Google Chrome.

This event will be recorded and will be made available for viewing after the event.

For general questions and accommodation requests, please email adesewa.adesiji@state.mn.us

July 9, 2025

Introduction to AI for Employers: What It Is, How It Works, and Why It Matters

Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the workplace, providing tools to boost productivity, streamline operations, and shape workforce trends. In this introductory session, you’ll gain a clear understanding of what AI is, explore its applications across industries, and understand its potential impact on business operations and workforce strategies. Gain the insights you need to navigate the future of work with confidence.

11 a.m. - noon - panel discussion
Noon - 12:30 p.m. - "unplugged" time when you can unmute and ask questions of panelists and Workforce Strategy Consultants

Register now

If you have any issues registering, please try using Google Chrome.

This event will be recorded and will be made available for viewing after the event.

For general questions and accommodation requests, please email rebecca.zoubek@state.mn.us 

August 6, 2025

Unlocking Workforce Insights: Navigating Labor Market Information for Employers

Labor Market Information for Employers is designed to empower employers with the tools and knowledge needed for effective workforce planning. This presentation will guide participants through accessing key labor market information on DEED’s platforms, including Regional Profiles, Occupations in Demand, and Wage Data, offering step-by-step instructions on navigating these resources. Employers will learn to identify critical data points such as wage benchmarks, occupational trends, and regional employment patterns to enhance hiring strategies, wage setting, and skills development. Additionally, the session will provide an overview of DEED’s comprehensive data offerings, from demographic and economic trends to sector-specific employment statistics, helping employers monitor market shifts, address skills gaps, and make data-informed decisions to remain competitive in a dynamic labor market. 

11 a.m. - noon - panel discussion
Noon - 12:30 p.m. - "unplugged" time when you can unmute and ask questions of panelists and Workforce Strategy Consultants

Register now

If you have any issues registering, please try using Google Chrome.

This event will be recorded and will be made available for viewing after the event.

For general questions and accommodation requests, please email shayla.drake@state.mn.us 

September 3, 2025

Engaging the Unhoused Workforce

The housing crisis in Minnesota has significant effects for both employers and job seekers, reflecting trends seen nationwide. For employers, the stigma associated with unhoused indiviudals can lead to biased preceptions, often based on megative stereotypes that influence a company's hiring decisions. These biases may determine assumptions about work ethic, reliability, or even capability, ultimately reducing opportunities for qualifed candidates who happen to be expriencing housing instability. For job seekers, the lack of stable and affoedable housing creates issues that can affect their ability to find and maintain employment. Addressing these challenges will require a multi-layered approach. 

11 a.m. - noon - panel discussion
Noon - 12:30 p.m. - "unplugged" time when you can unmute and ask questions of panelists and Workforce Strategy Consultants

Register now

If you have any issues registering, please try using Google Chrome.

This event will be recorded and will be made available for viewing after the event.

For general questions and accommodation requests, please email adesewa.adesiji@state.mn.us

October 1, 2025

Enhance Employee Skills with Incumbent Worker, On-the-Job Training, and Other Grant Funded Training Opportunities

Employee training is important because it represents a great opportunity to improve their skills and knowledge, but it can also be costly to the employer. Join DEED's Workforce Strategy Consultant team on Oct 1st to learn about grant funded opportunities like Incumbent Worker Training and On-the-Job Training and other opportunities available to employers that can prepare employees for higher responsibilities and show employees they are valued without hurting the employers' pocket book.

11 a.m. - noon - panel discussion
Noon - 12:30 p.m. - "unplugged" time when you can unmute and ask questions of panelists and Workforce Strategy Consultants

Register now

If you have any issues registering, please try using Google Chrome.

This event will be recorded and will be made available for viewing after the event.

For general questions and accommodation requests, please email della.ludwig@state.mn.us 

November 5, 2025

The Minnesota Indigenous Workforce Initiative and the Economy of Minnesota's Indian Country

Join us for an inspiring and informative panel discussion highlighting the untapped potential of Native job seekers and the exciting economic developments taking place in Indian Country. Our panel of Native leaders and experts will explore how tribal communities are driving economic growth while overcoming challenges and seizing opportunities.   This discussion will provide a unique opportunity to celebrate achievements, tackle pressing challenges, and explore actionable pathways to empower Native job seekers and foster economic prosperity in Indian Country. Whether you’re a business leader, policymaker, or community advocate, this session is not to be missed!

11 a.m. - noon - panel discussion
Noon - 12:30 p.m. - "unplugged" time when you can unmute and ask questions of panelists and Workforce Strategy Consultants

Register Now

If you have any issues registering, please try using Google Chrome.

This event will be recorded and will be made available for viewing after the event.

For general questions and accommodation requests, please email james.whirlwindsoldier@state.mn.us 

December 3, 2025

2025 Year in Review Highlights

Join DEED's Workforce Strategy Consultant team and our partners for 'The Best of the Best in Review' as we travel back through 2025 and discuss each highlights of each session from 2025 and share resources that are critical to help our employers grow and succeed.

11 a.m. - noon - panel discussion
Noon - 12:30 p.m. - "unplugged" time when you can unmute and ask questions of panelists and Workforce Strategy Consultants

Register now

If you have any issues registering, please try using Google Chrome.

This event will be recorded and will be made available for viewing after the event.

For general questions and accommodation requests, please email shayla.drake@state.mn.us