Sept. 20, 2019 (MINNEAPOLIS) Minnesota’s workforce system has a new name: CareerForce. This name change is a transition for Minnesota’s workforce system, bringing multiple partners under the single unified CareerForce brand.

CareerForce is a collaborative partnership between the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), the Governor’s Workforce Development Board (GWDB) and the Minnesota Association of Workforce Boards (MAWB). The public rollout of CareerForce marks the beginning of a recommitment to enhanced employer service throughout Minnesota, a pledge to put equity at the center of all efforts and a renewed focus on meeting employers and career seekers where they are and provide them with the tailored services they need.

As a core and foundational partner of CareerForce, the City of Minneapolis supports the State’s emphasis on addressing employment disparities, a focus on equity and enhancing partnerships with local business leaders for continued economic growth that reaches all our communities.
“Addressing our workforce shortage is essential for Minneapolis businesses and employers — and for driving inclusive economic growth in our city,” said Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey. “By connecting workers who need jobs with employers who need workers, CareerForce can drive a vision for growing a more prosperous city for all.”

DEED Commissioner Steve Grove, GWDB chair Laura Beeth and MAWB Chair Shirley Barnes attended the rollout event with Mayor Frey earlier this week in north Minneapolis. In attendance were business and community leaders, local employers and state legislators. Attendees learned more about CareerForce, got a chance to speak with CareerForce leaders and staff and were invited to stay for career preparation activities and a career and community resource fair at the location throughout the day.

“Today’s CareerForce rollout marks the beginning of efforts to leverage technology and innovation to serve Minnesota employers and career seekers in new ways,” said Commissioner Grove. “We know our state’s businesses are struggling to find and retain workers and that many Minnesotans face challenges in finding the right work. The investments we’re making in CareerForce will help us better meet the changing needs of Minnesota’s career seekers and employers.”

“Coming together under the CareerForce name will make Minnesota’s workforce system even more robust. Working better together will help us prepare and connect more workers with careers that sustain families and strengthen communities,” said Shirley Barnes, MAWB chair. “And it will help Minnesota employers find the employees they need to grow their businesses and keep Minnesota’s economy strong.”
“Putting equity at the center of everything we do is a core value of CareerForce,” said Laura Beeth, GWDB chair. “We’re working together to ensure that CareerForce meets the needs of all Minnesota career seekers by reducing employment opportunity disparities for our fellow Minnesotans who have been left behind during these times of general economic growth.”

Find out more about CareerForce at CareerForceMN.com.

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DEED is the state’s principal economic development agency, promoting business recruitment, expansion and retention, workforce development, international trade and community development.
GWDB has a responsibility to advise the Governor on Minnesota’s workforce system. The Board represents key leaders from business, education, labor, community-based organizations and government. The Board provides a venue for workforce stakeholders to build on a shared vision and mission.
MAWB represents the local employment and training system responsible for delivering services to employers and career seekers across the state. Each of Minnesota’s sixteen workforce development areas has a workforce board, appointed by local elected officials, which provides leadership and strategic direction for investments tailored to meet the specific needs of their communities.

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