DEED's Workforce Strategy Consultants (WSC), established in 2018, plays a vital role in assisting Minnesota employers with strategic growth, training, and management of their workforce. Providing a wealth of tools and insights garnered from extensive research and best practices, our team effectively addresses various talent strategies employers face in today's climate.
What We Do
Workforce Strategy Consultants support Minnesota employers in creating effective workforce strategies by aligning resources, fostering collaboration, and leveraging industry expertise to drive economic equity and growth.
Key services include:
- Assessing workforce needs, identifying talent gaps, and DEIA recruiting efforts.
- Developing strategies to attract and retain skilled talent.
- Recommending training programs to enhance workforce skills.
- Forecasting workforce needs based on industry trends and growth.
- Connecting employers to regional and community resources.
How We Help
Workforce Strategy Consultants serve as vital partners for employers to help them navigate workforce challenges and seize opportunities for growth. Connecting stakeholders to critical resources, and fostering partnerships with community, regional, and state entities they design innovative solutions to support businesses in a rapidly evolving economy.
Key strategies include:
- Developing individualized consultation reports for businesses as a roadmap for workforce development.
- Assisting stakeholders in the implementation of talent growth strategies.
- Connecting employer to internal and external workforce development resources.
- Designing and integrating tools and resources that help businesses create strategic workforce solutions tailored to today’s dynamic and evolving environment.
Connecting Employers to Workforce Development
DEED's Workforce Strategy Consultants play a vital role in connecting Minnesota employers with a wide array of resources and partnerships to support their workforce initiatives. The primary goal is to create a collaborative environment that bridges the gap between employers and qualified job seekers.
1. Customized Training Development: Facilitating connections between employers and educational institutions to create tailored training programs that meet specific workforce needs.
2. Funding and Grant Opportunities: Introducing employers to grants and funding options available for reskilling and upskilling their current workforce.
3. Apprenticeship and Dual-Training Referrals: Providing referrals to state departments that support the development of apprenticeship programs and dual-training opportunities.
4. Local Workforce Development Boards: Offering information and access to local workforce development boards, which can provide additional resources and support for employers.
5. Hiring Event Facilitation: Connecting employers with DEED and partnering organizations to organize hiring events to meet and recruit qualified candidates.
6. Presentations: Present Minnesota's best practices for workforce development, employer sustainability and talent growth at regional, state, and national events.
7. Workforce Wednesday Webinars: Consultants host monthly webinars focused on highlighting proven strategies to build talent pipelines, hearing and sharing best practices, and networking with other Minnesota employers about all things workforce.
Testimonials from Employers and Partners - COMING SOON
Resources for Employers
Discover tools and resources designed to help employers address workforce challenges and cultivate effective strategies for talent attraction, retention, and development. Explore how our Workforce Strategy Consultants can support your organization's unique needs with tailored guidance and actionable insights.
WSC initiatives:
- Join us the first Wednesday of the month for Workforce Wednesday!
- The Diversity in Manufacturing Initiative (DiMi)
- The Minnesota Indigenous Workforce Initiative (MIWI)
- Fair Chance Hiring
- Partners for Reentry Opportunities in Workforce Development (PROWD)
- A Guide to Inclusive Hiring
- Get contact info for other regional team members
The WSC Corner: Connect with Us!
Welcome to The WSC Corner where you will learn tools and tips for workforce strategy.
DEED's Workforce Strategy Consultant (WSC) team is dedicated to transforming the workforce landscape by delivering actionable insights, cutting-edge strategies, and creative solutions to tackle today’s toughest workforce challenges. We dive into critical topics to arm your organization with the tools and resources needed to attract top talent, retain valuable employees, and foster dynamic workforce growth.
We’re here to empower you with proven strategies and real-world success stories that make a difference. Subscribe to our emails for upcoming articles, expert tips, and inspiring case studies—all designed to help you build a strong, future-ready workforce and achieve your organization’s goals with confidence.
