Toolbox Talk: Building the Workforce Pipeline

Building the Workforce Pipeline - Data, Strategy,
and Shared Solutions

This event will be hosted by MPMA and MN Office of Higher Education. As a leader in industry workforce development, MPMA understands that many MN manufacturers are facing unprecedented workforce challenges, and the data makes this clear. This session begins with a look at the current labor analysis and workforce trends shaping our industry, grounding the conversation in real numbers and real impact. From there we'll explore how intentional pipeline strategies - Youth Skills Training (YST), Registered Apprenticeship, and the Dual-Training Grant - create pathways from awareness to employment.

Participants will also learn why statewide collaboration matters, including how the Manufacturing Pathways Portal serves as a connective hub for workforce engagement. We'll close the session with a look at how MPMA supports manufacturers through our Employer Advancement Program.

This program is designed as a collaborative learning experience, and is ideal for anyone recruiting, hiring, training, or looking for a career!

Agenda and Speakers:

Jaquelynn Mol Sletten - OHE (Office of Higher Education) - Welcome

Allessia Leibert DEED (Department of Employment and Economic Development) - The analytics to prove why we need to shift our focus.

Various Speakers

• Funnel – YST, Mentorship. MN Manufactured
• Apprenticeship - Pipeline, Dual Training Grant
  • Dual Training Grant Student - Alonzo Gordon, Toro Corp
  • Dual Training Grant Employer – Eric Taylor, Taylor Corp
  • Department of Labor and Industry – Dan Solomon and Eric Holtan
• Portal - partnership tools, resources, support
  • Job Seeker

Next Steps

• Employer Advancement Program/Micro-Grants
  • Portal registration
  • Conversation

Questions about this event, reach out to Myrika Schneider, MPMA Director of Workforce Development myrika@mpma.com.