Workforce Initiatives Completed in 2019

Student to Student Recruiters
 
Student to Student Recruiter Programs are now in place in three high schools: Spring Lake Park, Blaine, and Coon Rapids. Chamber members send in their current job openings which are related to students at each high school. Each high school has social media programs in place to promote the open positions. The student recruiters also assist applicants with resumes, interviewing, and follow up procedures.
Fox 9 News featured this program in 2019.
In 2019 the Chamber has sent over 85 jobs to the high schools for the students to promote!
 
In the Classroom
 
A Careers in the Classroom presentation was developed in 2017. During 2019 we presented to Blaine, Fridley, and Andover High School career readiness classes for the first time. We have been invited back for the 2019-2020 school year.
In 2019 committee members presented Junior Achievement Programming to Centennial Middle School 8th grade students, in Circle Pines.
Coon Rapids High School requested mentors for their Capstone Project. We were able to refer 5 chamber members in the areas of arts, sciences, and healthcare. We were also invited to participate in planning meetings for the Biomedical Sciences and Engineering Program.
 
Job Shadowing
 
We placed a student at Gaughan for the day to see what it is like to be in a business setting. This student was interested in Marketing and Sales, and Gaughan was able to give this student an idea of what a career in those fields are like.
 
Career Expos
 
Chamber members attended career expos for Andover and Spring Lake Park High Schools and Anoka Technical College.
CareerForce also hosts career expos on Wednesdays at the Blaine location.
 
 Internships
 
The Chamber partners with the CareerForce and local high schools to offer internships.
So far this year, we have had two interns from the Anoka County Workforce Center and one intern from Blaine High School.
 
 Notable Promoted Events
 
Marijuana Legalization & The Workforce Luncheon: MetroNorth Chamber
Employment Taxes and Employer Responsibilities: DEED
How to Develop Your Future Leaders 
(manufacturers Only): Enterprise MN
Apprenticeship & Grant Workshops: DEED
Fair Chance Hiring Summit: MN Workforce Center
Giving Your Team the Incredible Benefits They Want: TriNet
How to Grow Your Business in a Challenging Market: Grow & Co
 
MetroNorth Works Publication
 
The Chamber partnered with ISD #11 and local businesses to create a bi-annual publication for parents, students and young adults in Anoka County and surrounding areas.
The publication showcases career options ranging from manufacturing to healthcare. These careers include requirements from a high school diploma to a 4-year college degree.

Monthly Workforce E-Newsletter
 
The MetroNorth Chamber of Commerce publishes a monthly newsletter highlighting workforce issues. Over the course of this last year the list has grown to 88 recipients! Resources and events are provided to assist employers in meeting their needs. Current updates from the local secondary and post-secondary schools, DEED, and CareerForce are included.