Workforce Wednesday

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. 

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. 

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. 

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.