Empowering Red Wing: How Workforce Development Fuels Local Success

Happy Workforce Development Month! This is the perfect time to recognize and applaud the incredible work of local organizations that nurture a talented and adaptable workforce. In Red Wing, Minnesota, Workforce Development, Inc. drives impactful initiatives by addressing workforce shortages, empowering job seekers, and creating stronger employer partnerships.

Jakki Trihey, Regional Manager at Workforce Development, Inc., states, “WDI is a great source of current labor market information and a way for employers to access information related to workforce trends in the area.”

Workforce development is the cornerstone of a thriving local economy. It focuses on equipping individuals with the necessary skills to meet labor market demands, supporting businesses by filling critical positions, and promoting career growth for job seekers.

Collaborating with Local Employers

A key element of successful workforce development is the partnership between workforce agencies and local employers. Trihey says, “WDI acts as a convening agent to bring workforce partners together to resolve issues. Sometimes,  that means sharing relevant, applicable information from the MN Department of Employment and Economic Development with local employers. Hence, they know current programming and resources that can benefit them.  It may also mean sharing information about upcoming grant opportunities so that we can continue to develop new and meaningful career pathways that help address local workforce needs.” This collaboration is essential in ensuring that local employers have access to crucial resources and up-to-date labor market information.

Furthermore, Trihey says, WDI offers a valuable free service through their Weekly Job Boards, where local employers can share job postings with career planners, job seekers, and community partners. “This helps employers share their posting information with our job-seeking customers, enhancing the visibility of open positions in the region,” he affirms.

Enhancing Skills and Building a Robust Pipeline with Education

WDI also supports employers through programs like paid work experiences for youth and young adults, providing individuals with valuable experience while offering businesses the benefits of additional labor. “Our extensive programming for youth and young adults helps us place individuals into paid work experiences, where employers can help a young person build their skill set and resume while receiving up to 200 hours of labor paid for by WDI,” Trihey states.

An essential aspect of workforce development is ensuring job seekers possess the skills to excel in the evolving labor market. To address this need, Workforce Development, Inc. has launched several initiatives to bridge the skills gap in Red Wing.

“We’ve developed Career Pathway programs in Welding, Advanced Manufacturing, and Healthcare,” Jakki explains. “These programs are designed to help individuals earn industry-recognized credentials that lead directly into high-demand careers. Not only do these initiatives address local workforce shortages, but they also offer job seekers a clear path to long-term employment and career advancement”, he says.

By providing the necessary training, WDI empowers job seekers to pursue careers in sectors crucial to the local economy. These programs also offer opportunities for higher-level skill development for those looking to further their education.

Strong partnerships between workforce development organizations and educational institutions are essential for creating a sustainable workforce pipeline. In Red Wing, WDI collaborates closely with Minnesota State College Southeast to develop training programs that meet the needs of local employers.

“The welding and advanced manufacturing career pathways, for example, allow job seekers to earn short-term credentials that help them move quickly into employment,” says Jakki. WDI’s Career Navigators work alongside job seekers, helping them address any barriers to success and connecting them with employers once training is complete.

Committing to workforce development is crucial in ensuring sustained economic growth and stability within our community. By aligning the needs of local businesses with the skills of job seekers, organizations like WDI are actively cultivating a sustainable workforce pipeline.

The Red Wing Port Authority supports organizations on the journey to strengthening the local economy and fostering a vibrant community. Together, they are cultivating a stronger, more resilient community. Contact the Red Wing Port Authority here for more information and assistance on community progress and workforce development.