Jinny Rietmann: September is Workforce Development Month – Austin Daily Herald

As schools across the state welcome students back to K-12 and post-secondary classrooms, it’s the perfect time to talk about what comes next—life after school. September is Workforce Development Month, and we’re excited to highlight the services, resources, and partnerships that help strengthen the workforce in Southeast Minnesota.

In July, the unemployment rate in Southeast Minnesota was 3.5%, up from 2.8% in April. Minnesota’s statewide rate rose from 3.2% in April to 3.9% in July. While these changes are modest, combined with feedback from employers, they point to a general slowdown in hiring. A recent survey of career planners showed that:

• 12% said it was somewhat or much easier for job seekers to find work compared to last year.

• 29% said conditions were about the same.

• 59% reported it was somewhat or much harder.

This underscores the importance of workforce development. It ensures individuals have the right skills to step into high-demand jobs and support a thriving regional economy. Yet, challenges remain. Too often, there is an “Opportunity Mismatch”—when workers’ skills don’t fully align with employer needs.

At Workforce Development, Inc. (WDI), our mission is to bridge that gap. We provide training programs, support services, and career guidance for individuals exploring their career options. At the same time, we connect local employers with the talent they need to succeed. Our Career Pathways programs help people prepare for in-demand industries, and our dedicated staff of more than 80 professionals across Southeast Minnesota are here to guide the way. We also offer training funds and support to help individuals reach their career goals.

Did You Know?

There are more than 500 Workforce Development Boards nationwide, overseeing over 2,400 American Job Centers. Minnesota has 16 boards, including the Southeast Minnesota Workforce Development Board.

In our region, the Board includes private business leaders, local government, nonprofit partners, and CareerForce representatives from all 10 counties. Each county is also represented by its commissioner through a Joint Powers Board.

Nationally, 81% of job seekers who receive intensive services from their workforce board are employed within six months (National Association of Workforce Boards).

One in 12 Americans connects with the workforce system each year.

WDI has an office in each of the 10 counties we serve: Albert Lea, Austin, Kasson, Faribault, Owatonna, Red Wing, Wabasha, Caledonia, Preston, and Rochester.

Last year, we supported more than 5,000 career seekers and hundreds of employers in Southeast Minnesota.

Join Us for

an Open House!

To celebrate Workforce Development Month, WDI is hosting open houses at each of our 10 locations this September. Stop by to meet our team, learn about services, and explore resources available to job seekers and employers.

Red Wing: Sept. 16, 9-11 a.m., 308 Pioneer Road

Wabasha: Sept. 16, 1-3 p.m., 329 Hiawatha Drive East, Suite 3

Albert Lea: Sept. 17, 9-11 a.m., 2200 Riverland Drive

Austin: Sept. 17, 1-3 p.m., 1600 8th Avenue NW

Faribault: Sept. 23, 1-3 p.m., 201 S. Lyndale Avenue, Suite 1

Caledonia: Sept. 24, 9-11 a.m., 110 East Grove Street

Preston – Sept.24, 1-3 p.m., 144 Main Street SW

Workforce Development Month is a reminder that when we invest in people, we invest in our communities, businesses, and economy. We invite you to join us this month—and beyond—in building a stronger workforce for Southeast Minnesota.

Jinny Rietmann is the Executive Director Workforce Development, Inc. Foundation