| July 8, 2026 |
Raising the Bar: How to Assess and Improve Job Quality
What makes a job truly “good”? This Workforce Wednesday session explores how Minnesota’s Governor’s Workforce Development Board is developing a Job Quality Framework to help employers evaluate and improve the jobs they offer. The framework supports efforts to create more equitable, competitive workplaces by focusing on key aspects of job quality that matter to both workers and employers.
11 a.m. - noon - panel discussion
Noon - 12:30 p.m. - "unplugged" time when you can unmute and ask questions of panelists and Workforce Strategy Consultants
Register now
If you have any issues registering, please try using Google Chrome.
This event will be recorded and will be made available for viewing after the event.
For general questions and accommodation requests, please email shayla.drake@state.mn.us.
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| August 5, 2026 |
Opportunities for All: Reimagining Workforce Development
Achieving true economic opportunity and growth requires a workforce development system grounded in equity-one that intentionally addresses the barriers faced by historically marginalized and underserved populations. In this in-depth webinar, we will explore how workforce organizations, partners, and leaders across sectors can embed equity into every aspect of workforce development to create inclusive, sustainable outcomes for all job seekers.
Workforce systems have long grappled with disparities rooted in race, gender, disability, socioeconomic status, and more. While progress has been made, there is a growing recognition that equity is not just a goal but a continuous process-requiring intentional strategies, partnerships, and data-informed decisions to dismantle systemic obstacles and promote fairness.
This webinar will provide a comprehensive look at the current landscape of equity in workforce development, sharing insights from experts and practitioners who are leading the way in transforming policies, programs, and practices.
11 a.m. - noon - panel discussion
Noon - 12:30 p.m. - "unplugged" time when you can unmute and ask questions of panelists and Workforce Strategy Consultants
Register now
If you have any issues registering, please try using Google Chrome.
This event will be recorded and will be made available for viewing after the event.
For general questions and accommodation requests, please email adesewa.adesiji@state.mn.us.
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| September 2, 2026 |
Future-Ready Talent: Building Your Bench Through Mentorship, Sponsorship & Succession Planning
As workforce needs continue to change, employers are thinking differently about how to retain talent, prepare for transitions, and grow employees from within. Mentorship, sponsorship, and succession planning are three practical strategies that can help organizations strengthen internal talent pipelines, adapt to changing workforce needs, and prepare for the future of work.
This Workforce Wednesday will explore how employers can support employee growth, create clearer pathways for advancement, transfer institutional knowledge, and prepare for future leadership or critical-role needs. The conversation will focus on practical ideas organizations can consider, whether they are just beginning this work or looking to strengthen existing efforts.
Participants will hear perspectives on how intentional talent development can support retention, continuity, and long-term workforce readiness.
11 a.m. - noon - panel discussion
Noon - 12:30 p.m. - "unplugged" time when you can unmute and ask questions of panelists and Workforce Strategy Consultants
Register now
If you have any issues registering, please try using Google Chrome.
This event will be recorded and will be made available for viewing after the event.
For general questions and accommodation requests, please email rebecca.zoubek@state.mn.us.
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| October 7, 2026 |
Developing Successful Career Pathways through Youth Skills Training & Youth Apprenticeships
Youth career pathway development is crucial for ensuring young people find fulfilling and sustainable careers, contributing to their personal growth and the overall economy in your community. It helps students explore different career options, acquire necessary skills, and make informed decisions about their future while still in high school. With high schools and businesses providing structured support and opportunities, career pathways empower youth to navigate the complexities of the job market and achieve their goals with community support.
Join DEED's Workforce Strategy Consultant team, our partners, and employers to learn about the the two main work-based training (student-learner models) in the State of Minnesota, each offering businesses and youth over the age of 16 multiple benefits and how your organization, school, and community can thrive with these models in place.
11 a.m. - noon - panel discussion
Noon - 12:30 p.m. - "unplugged" time when you can unmute and ask questions of panelists and Workforce Strategy Consultants
Register now
If you have any issues registering, please try using Google Chrome.
This event will be recorded and will be made available for viewing after the event.
For general questions and accommodation requests, please email della.ludwig@state.mn.us.
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| November 4, 2026 |
Minnesota's Indigenous Workforce
This November, during Native American Heritage Month, Workforce Wednesday invites you to a timely and transformative conversation: how to become an Employer of Choice for Native talent—and why Indigenous workers represent one of Minnesota’s greatest, and often overlooked, workforce strengths. Our panel of experts will unwrap the Untapped Strength of Indigenous Talent: Explore how Minnesota’s tribal nations, Native communities, and urban Indigenous networks are cultivating skilled, dedicated, and community-minded professionals across every sector. Equity as a Growth Strategy: Learn how creating meaningful, sustainable, and equitable careers for Indigenous workers builds stronger businesses, more resilient communities, and a more balanced economy for everyone. Economic Reconciliation in Practice: Discover how employers can move beyond acknowledgment and into shared prosperity—through hiring, training, and leadership practices that honor sovereignty, culture, and long-term partnerships.
11 a.m. - noon - panel discussion
Noon - 12:30 p.m. - "unplugged" time when you can unmute and ask questions of panelists and Workforce Strategy Consultants
Register now
If you have any issues registering, please try using Google Chrome.
This event will be recorded and will be made available for viewing after the event.
For general questions and accommodation requests, please email della.ludwig@state.mn.us.
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| December 2, 2026 |
2026 Review with 2027 Preview
Join DEED’s Workforce Strategy Consultant team and our partners for a 2026 Kickoff Party, where we’ll revisit the “Best of the Best” from our 2026 presentations, highlight major accomplishments, and celebrate regional success stories. Plus, get an exclusive preview of the hot topics we expect in 2027—and learn how to turn those insights into powerful tools to support employer success.
11 a.m. - noon - panel discussion
Noon - 12:30 p.m. - "unplugged" time when you can unmute and ask questions of directly to the Workforce Strategy Consultant team
Register now
If you have any issues registering, please try using Google Chrome.
This event will be recorded and will be made available for viewing after the event.
For general questions and accommodation requests, please email della.ludwig@state.mn.us.
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