July 12, 2012
Sessions to Assess Workforce Needs in Agriculture and Agri-business Industries Set to Begin July 17
Launch Marks Continuation of Initiative to Address State’s Job Skills GapMinnesota State Colleges and Universities (MnSCU), the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) will host seven listening sessions around the state to assess employers’ workforce needs in the agriculture and agri-business industries.
The sessions will be held between July 17-31 in Austin, Crookston, Little Falls, Mankato, Marshall, Minneapolis and Moorhead. Sessions will focus on occupations involving agricultural mechanics and equipment, animal science, farm business operations and management, food science and technology, and plant and soil science.
“The agricultural sector, including producers, agribusiness and related industries plays an essential role in the success and prosperity of our state,” said MnSCU Chancellor Steven Rosenstone. “By listening to employers, we can obtain a much better understanding of their needs and ensure that higher education is delivering the right academic programs and preparing graduates with the skills necessary for the future success of Minnesota’s agricultural economy.”
Business and industry representatives from the agriculture sector are encouraged to register for one of the upcoming Agriculture Workforce Assessment sessions by visiting http://mnworkforceneeds.eventbrite.com. The website includes the dates, times and locations for each gathering along with other details. There is no cost to attend the meetings.
The agriculture sector listening sessions continue a statewide “Workforce Assessment” initiative launched to address the state’s skills gap by engaging Minnesota companies in developing precise projections of how many workers and professionals, with what kinds of skills, will be needed in which regions of the state, and for what kinds of jobs. Minnesota’s need for an educated workforce is greater than all but one other state and the District of Columbia. By 2018, 70 percent of all jobs in the state will require some postsecondary education beyond high school. Companies across Minnesota indicate that while many good jobs are available, there is a shortage of people with the needed skills and education to do these jobs. This skills gap constrains the state’s economic growth, increases unemployment and limits opportunities for both businesses and individuals.
To date, 44 sessions have been held addressing workforce needs in six industry sectors: energy, engineering, healthcare, information technology, manufacturing and transportation. Sessions addressing workforce needs in the financial services and natural resources sectors are being planned for fall. Data gathered from the sessions will be used by the state colleges and universities to better align the certificate and degree programs, and worker retraining and customized training programs with the needs of Minnesota business and industry.
Local chambers of commerce and economic development organizations, the Minnesota Initiatives foundations, the Governor’s Workforce Development Council and other groups are participating with MnSCU, DEED and the Minnesota Chamber in this coordinated effort.
For more information, contact:
Melinda Voss
Minnesota State Colleges and Universities
melinda.voss@so.mnscu.edu
(651) 201-1804
Laura Winge
Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development
laura.winge@mn.state.us
(651) 259-7173
Jennifer Byers
Minnesota Chamber of Commerce
jbyers@mnchamber.com
(651) 292-4673
Bryan Lindsley
Governor’s Workforce Development Council
bryan.lindsley@state.mn.us
(651) 259-7572
Minnesota's 31 state community and technical colleges, and universities serve more than 420,000 students across the state.
