During the current tight labor market, employers may need more assistance in finding the workers they need. The August Workforce Wednesday session hosted by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) Workforce Strategy Consultant Team provided an overview of resources available to employers to help them do everything from using data to make their job postings more competitive to connecting to underutilized talent pools.

Below is a quick overview of workforce system services available to Minnesota employers – and highlights of some of the most popular resources.

Workforce Strategy Consultants develop innovative workforce solutions by aligning resources, facilitating collaboration and leveraging expertise in targeted industry sectors to drive economic equity and growth.

James Whirlwind Soldier, Northwest Minnesota Regional Workforce Strategy Consultant offers this high-level overview of his team's work. "We work with you to identify gaps in your workforce strategy to ensure that you are connected with local, regional and state workforce partners that can assist you and we assist you in building out a happy and sustainable workforce."

Labor Market Analysts offer the latest labor market intelligence, economic conditions and trends by providing accessible expertise, analysis services, training and presentations on special topics for regions throughout Minnesota.

According to Carson Gorecki, Northeast Minnesota Regional Labor Market Analyst, one of the most frequently requested services asked for by employers is wage data for a specific part of the state. "We provide median wages, average wages but also 10th, 25th, 75th and 90th percentile wages as well so you can understand wage distribution of other businesses and industries in your area so you can remain competitive and attract workers."

CareerForce Staff and Partners help employers connect with people looking for employment through individual connections, hiring events and access to the state's largest online labor pool. There are more than 50 CareerForce locations throughout Minnesota to help employers connect with local job seekers.

Lena Balk, CareerForce Help Desk and Employer Services Manager, described one way that CareerForce helps employers. "CareerForce locations have employer navigation staff who can assist you in connecting to job seekers through job fairs or other events like employer of the day."

Vocational Rehabilitation Services Staff are experts in disability employment and can provide resources and strategic alliances to tap the talent pool of people who have disabilities.

Veterans Employment Services Staff can help you recruit and hire our nation's veterans, a highly skilled talent pool who will bring values, leadership and teamwork to the workplace.

Rapid Response Team Members guide you through the difficult process of a major layoff or plant closing. That includes helping you comply with federal regulations that apply to mass layoffs, bring a variety of services for your employees straight to your workplace, and even propose some useful alternatives to layoffs.

You can view DEED contacts for a range of workforce services in your area and throughout the state on the Meet your Regional Team listing on CareerForceMN.

View a recording of this session and other past sessions, plus access a schedule for upcoming Workforce Wednesday sessions on the Workforce Wednesday page on CareerForceMN.