Our mission is to develop and advance the workforce of Southeast Minnesota.
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Although
Public Service Day was officially in June, it’s such an important field and one that is close to the hearts of the employees at Workforce Development, Inc. (WDI) that we wanted to make sure and highlight it!
If helping and serving other people is of interest to you, a job within the Public Sector might be something to pursue! Jobs within the Public Sector include work for the federal, state, local or tribal government organizations, public child or family service agencies, non-profit organizations (such as WDI), and tribal colleges and universities. From the Peace Corps - to teaching - to non-profit work and management, all of these careers can fall into the public sector. There are currently 10,820 job vacancies in southeastern Minnesota, 3,939 of which fall into the Public Sector category. The median wage for a position in this sector is $15.28, which is higher than the overall job vacancy median wage of $14.01.
Are you interested in learning more about the Public Sector, how to job search, or what careers might be of interest to you? Stop by your local WDI office and talk with a Career Planner today!
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Meet Jeff Custer
Xcel Energy
Director of Distribution, Design, & Construction
SE MN Workforce Development Board (WDB) Member since 2008
Current WDB Treasurer
Why did you decide on a career at Xcel Energy and who or what influenced you to decide on this career choice?
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When I started at Xcel Energy, I wasn’t really looking for a career but just a job. The position I started in was a budget analyst, which matched my skills and education. After a couple years in the finance area, I transitioned to the construction group and have been there ever since. Over my 20 years at Xcel, it has proven to be a very rewarding career. I like working with customers and governmental entities to solve problems that make our communities better places to live and work. I also enjoy leading and developing teams, as well as helping people reach their full potential. I was influenced to pursue the construction path by a mentor at Xcel.
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Spotlight on the Goodhue County Office
Workforce Development, Inc. (WDI)
Red Wing, Minnesota
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Nestled along the banks of the mighty Mississippi River beneath towering limestone bluffs is the
WDI Goodhue County Office. The staff at WDI are dedicated to developing and advancing the workforce to meet the current and future needs of communities throughout Goodhue County.
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Shelly Meyer
,
Intake Specialist
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David LeGarde
(Youth Career Planner),
Pam Erickson
(Career Planner),
Debbie Rose
(Customer Service Specialist),
Kim Buysse
(Bridge Mentor),
Mary Eberlein
(Career Planner)
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Jinny Rietmann
,
Area Manager
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September Feature:
Taking the Term "Corrections" to Heart
Connie Kath, Detention Deputy
Olmsted County Adult Detention Center
Rochester, MN
Deputy Connie Kath became an Olmsted County Detention Deputy in 2015. Having been in corrections for many years prior, she made the decision to return to the field to make a difference. “It’s a passion,” Deputy Kath said. “If I can reach one person, I feel like I’ve been successful. My purpose isn’t to change people, but rather to try and help others see their potential and self-worth.”
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Success Story:
Xylus
Overcoming Obstacles to Achieve Career Goals
Xylus just completed the Manufacturing 101/OSHA 10 class in May of 2018. He was initially very tentative about joining the class. He was unsure of himself in school settings and had struggled trying to complete classwork in the past. When we originally met, he agreed to be in the class. A few days later, I called to see him, and the staff at Minnesota Correctional Facility-Red Wing (MCF-RW) had to convince him to keep the appointment. He wasn't happy when he had to go through the Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE) testing, but he kept moving on. Xylus proved to himself that he could complete a college class. The instructor enjoyed having him. He was very proud of his bird house, and he was a role model for good behavior in the class. I think this class helped with his self-esteem in regards to his schooling and how he feels around his peers. Xylus was recently released to the community and will finish completing the course work that he needs to get his High School Diploma.
Kim Buysse
Workforce Development, Inc.
Bridge Mentor
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River Region Manufacturing
Pathways to Prosperity (P2P) Program
The River Region Manufacturing Pathways to Prosperity (P2P) Program is providing Manufacturing 101 skills training and “soft skills” training to participants within four local Adult Detention Centers in Goodhue, Wabasha, Winona, and Houston counties. This project is supported by the P2P funding, which is a two-year grant, ending June 30, 2020. Participants will earn college credit, essential work readiness skills, safety training, and basic manufacturing knowledge and skills, followed with support and employment assistance provided through a Career Navigator. The project also allows for classes to be offered to previously incarcerated individuals within each of the communities. This project is a partnership between Workforce Development, Inc., Minnesota State College – Southeast, the Winona WorkForce Center, Hiawatha Valley and Winona Adult Basic Education, various correctional organizations, and multiple employer supporters. We plan to serve 150 individuals throughout the two years of the project.
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In the News...
Skilled Laborer's Training Provides Opportunity While Teaching Trade Skills
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Workforce Development, Inc. (WDI) launched its third skilled construction/laborers training co-hort on August 6th. There were eight students enrolled, two women and six men. The four-week training was broken into two parts: two weeks of essential skills training and two weeks with experienced union trainers.
On August 21st, our eight Laborer’s Training students, along with Bryce Bjork, Workforce Development, Inc. Construction Navigator; Robert Vasquez, Skilled Construction Craft Laborer’s instructor; and Sheldon Steele, Business Manager for the Local 405, toured three to four different job sites around Rochester.
Read more
On August 30th, students had an opportunity to interview onsite with commercial employers. A graduation ceremony took place on August 31s with all eight trainees graduating.
Students earned their OSHA 30 certification (30 hours of safety training), CPR and First Aid certification, and a flagger's card. Thus far, six graduates have been offered full-time employment and another graduate has an offer pending.
For more information about this training or future trainings, please contact
Susan Boehm
at 507.512.0494 or via e-mail. To e-mail Susan,
Click here
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September Feature:
Diversity and Inclusion Taskforce: Previously Incarcerated Individual
The Previously Incarcerated Individual Taskforce was started about three years ago with a vision to bring previously incarcerated community members and employers together. The goal was to increase the employment of those persons coming out of incarceration. The taskforce has since grown to include employers, community organization representatives, workforce professionals, members of the corrections field, as well as individuals who have experienced incarceration themselves.
Read more
Membership to the taskforce and subcommittees is open, and new ideas and creative solutions are valued. Please visit our Workforce Development Inc. landing page for additional information or to connect with committee chairs directly:
Click here
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YOU Are Employable!
Overcoming Barriers to Employment
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Workforce Development, Inc. (WDI), along with Dodge, Fillmore, and Olmsted County (DFO) Community Corrections will be offering a unique, FREE, two-week seminar called
"YOU Are Employable!"
on October 8, 9, 11, 15, 16, and 18 at the Rochester WorkForce Center. The seminar is specifically designed for men and women transitioning back into the community from DFO County Corrections. A referral from a probation officer is required for individuals to participate in the seminar. The seminar will focus on the keys needed for problem solving, critical thinking, and self-directed job search that will help individuals identify their strengths, talents, and qualifications. These strategies and interactions will help individuals at home and in the community; as well as on the job and at the work-site.
Contact
Ed Duda
,
Career Planner, at WDI
with questions or for more information.
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Save the Date
September 26:
Retail-Customer Service Job Fair
10am-12pm held at the Heintz Center in Rochester
September 27:
Northfield Job Fair
3-6pm held at the Northfield Ballroom
October 4:
MaxAbility Employment Taskforce Career Connections - Career Fair and Educational Event
, 9am-1pm, Canadian Honker Events at Apache
October 4:
Workforce Development Board
and Sector Meetings
October 10:
Health Care Job Fair
10am-12pm held at the Heintz Center in Rochester
October 16:
Manufacturing Job Fair
11am-1pm held at the Heintz Center in Rochester
November 1:
Rochester Regional Job Fair
held at the Rochester Community and Technical College, Sports Center
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Current Job Openings at WDI
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Full-time Youth Career Planner/Foster and Homeless Youth - Mower County (Austin) Office
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SE Minnesota Employment Trends
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Learn More about the
Manufacturing Sector
in the Upcoming October Issue!
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Workforce Development, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Program Provider and a proud partner of the American Job Center Network.
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Connect with your local WDI office on Facebook:
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