As we continue to see record low unemployment and high job vacancies, it's critical for employers to set up talent pipelines now so they can remain successful in finding workers for the future. At our latest Workforce Wednesday discussion, we heard from a panel of workforce partners who shared innovative ways they're connecting students to career pathways using various methods, including community outreach programs, apprenticeships, and summer exploration experiences.

Here's how each of the workforce partners answered the question, "Can you explain how your organization or program works with youth to find career opportunities?"

Uniquely Abled Academy at South Central College, Jim Hanson – Dean of Business & Industry, Director for Customized Workforce Education at South Central College

The Uniquely Abled Academy (UAA) at South Central College (SCC) is a program designed to provide individuals with autism the hands-on training and high-tech skills needed to prepare for a career as a computer numerical control (CNC) operator. Offered by SCC's Customized Workforce Education division, Uniquely Abled Academies were developed nationally through The Uniquely Abled Project. This all-encompassing training program offers funding for qualified applicants and successfully places most trainees in their new careers upon graduation. Our first Uniquely Abled Academy was offered this past summer and we're currently seeking funding to offer more Uniquely Abled Academies next summer to help prepare more young adults with autism for promising, fulfilling careers. While it costs approximately $10,000 per student to fund the program, organizers and supporters agree the benefits that come from it are worth the investment.

Mankato's "I am" Program, Caleb Watson – Career & College Readiness Coordinator, Mankato Area Schools

Mankato's "I am" program is a strategic marketing campaign to help inspire students to see themselves in careers they might not have considered before. We picked some historically underrepresented populations like men in nursing and women in manufacturing and we made posters in the schools with previous students who now work in those fields to show students that these career pathways exist for them. The hardest part was finding students who had graduated into these different industries because once students leave school, it's hard to keep track of them. Luckily, we were able to reach out to our community partnerships and advisory councils to find these different types of students.

Central Minnesota Manufacturers Association (CMMA) K-12 Navigator Online Business Directory, Tim Zipoy – Business Service Coordinator, Central Minnesota Jobs and Training Services, Inc. (CMJTS) and CMMA Board member

Our free navigator tool was created in 2019 to strengthen career pathways for students by connecting educators and businesses with high school career exploration opportunities. It had originally started with a focus just on manufacturing careers, but we've relaunched the tool to include additional industries. Employers can use the tool to develop relationships with schools so they can engage and build their company's future workforce. Students can use the tool to help find businesses that are offering engaging career exploration experiences so they can explore career fields that interest them. Educators can use the tool to search for employers based on location, industry and activity to find the right opportunities for their students.

Central Minnesota's Operation Exploration, Diana Ristamaki – Youth and Universal Team Manager at Central Minnesota Jobs and Training Services, Inc. (CMJTS)

Operation Exploration is a two-week hands-on career exploration camp that we hold across our eleven counties. These camps are a unique opportunity for our youth to learn more about exciting and high-paying jobs in their area. We had businesses come in and do presentations about their company and what openings they have and the skills and training needed for the youth to work for them. We went into businesses where they gave tours to show what a typical day is like at their company. Our manufacturing employers taught the kids how to weld and they were able to bring their projects home with them. The automotive companies let the students change oil and rotate tires and show the wiring components found in vehicles. Construction companies had them build a wall and pour cement. The healthcare partners were able to recreate an ambulance scene where the youth could pick different roles to see all the different careers involved at the scene of an accident. These camps let kids try on different career hats and get excited about their potential career pathways as well introduce them to the employers in their area.

View a recording of October's session and other past sessions, plus find related resources you can download and use, on the Workforce Wednesday page on CareerForceMN.com.