An event Thursday will offer information about finding the right job and attaining the skills demanded by employers.

Michelle Ufford, executive director of the Northeast Minnesota Office of Job Training, will speak at a noon luncheon at AmericInn in International Falls. The luncheon is organized by the International Falls Area Chamber of Commerce.

Ufford will present information about finding the right job for the job seeker as well as workforce center assistance to employers in developing a good workforce, according to Faye Whitbeck, chamber president.

The event is in connection to a $135,000 grant awarded to the Northeast Minnesota Office of Job Training from the state. The grant supports the Northeast Career EdVenture project to provide career guidance and planning services for high school students throughout the region.

“We are thrilled to be able to provide this badly needed resource as schools face diminishing funding and increased demands that may compromise a focus on career planning,” Ufford said in a prepared statement. “Career guidance and planning is at the heart of our work every day as we help adults and youth navigate career and training options.”

In her statement, Ufford described “the constant cry” from employers about the need for individuals who have the right skills to meet job requirements.

“It makes perfect sense to share the expertise of the established workforce development system with students across the region to ensure they are not only making the best choice for themselves and their future, but also graduate with an understanding of what employers expect of them as they enter the labor force,” she stated.

Northeast Career EdVenture will also aim to develop opportunities for schools districts to better connect to the private sector, according to an information release. Ufford explained in the release that the project will seek to facilitate business and school partnerships by coordinating mentorships, job shadowing, class presentations, work experience or internship opportunities, site visits, and participation in school-based career fairs where students are educated about what regional industries are about.

“One of the problems we face in workforce development is the widespread misperception about what today’s industries really need or what post-secondary training programs result in the best job,” Ufford stated. “It’s not always a four-year degree that leads to the greatest job satisfaction or highest pay.”

Ufford emphasized that this effort is in no way to displace school guidance counselors, but rather to assist them in their work by providing a menu of career planning services.

Ufford stated that she hopes this pilot evolves into a strong partnership between the K-12 school system, the public workforce development system, and the business community.  

The service delivery system for this project is currently in development and resources will be available for schools to access later this fall. 

For more information, contact Ufford at (218) 748-2243 or via email at michelle.ufford@state.mn.us.