2018 Program Report: TalentLEAD and Adult Programs

2018 Business Report. Side by Side: Achieving Goals.

TalentLEAD (Dislocated Worker) Program

The overall goal of the TalentLEAD (Dislocated Worker) Program is for job seekers that lose their jobs through no fault of their own to gain re-employment at a comparable pre-layoff wage. Services include an individual assessment, job development, employment planning, career counseling, support services and training. TalentLEAD pairs experienced employment counselors with eager job seekers who together build training plans and job search strategies that provide the foundation for successful re-employment.

Program year: July 1, 2017 – June 30, 2018
2018 program budget: $1,183,212

495 2018 residents served.     77% 2017 program participants employed 1 year after exit.   $26.84 average hourly wage.

Adult Program

The Adult Program works closely with other WorkForce Center programs such as the Dislocated Worker and State Rehabilitation Services, Minnesota Family Investment Program and other community-based services to provide employment and training services for unemployed adult residents of Ramsey County. The objective of the adult program is to increase the retention of jobs, income and professional skills of the participants. This program aims at improving workforce quality, reducing welfare dependence, and improving the productivity and competitiveness of the Ramsey County economy.

Program year: July 1, 2017 – June 30, 2018
2018 program budget: $588,678

105 2018 residents served    70% 2017 program participants employed 1 year after exit.      $16.70 average hourly wage.

Featured Resident: Melissa

Melissa came to the United States as a refugee, attended ESL classes and earned her high school diploma. As Melissa worked on her education, she held several positions - food service technician, mail clerk processor, machine operator, quality control technician and lastly as a Patient Care Assistant (PCA).  

In 2016, Melissa was laid off from her PCA position. She came to the North St. Paul Workforce Center seeking employment services and qualified for the Dislocated Workers Program. Melissa came to the program knowing exactly what she wanted to do, which was to attend the Minnesota School of Barbering. Her employment counselor, Zachary Lee, was assigned to assist Melissa with her job proposal, job search and training needs. Working with Zach, Melissa created a customized training proposal, which was presented and approved for funding. She started training Jan. 9, 2018 and passed the Minnesota Board of Barber Examiners Nov. 6, 2018. Melissa, a professional stylist, is now successfully employed full-time with Pauly Ray Sport Barber Shop.

  • Goal: Gain full-time employment, specifically a career path.  Acquire financial guidance and support while attending the Minnesota School of Barbering.
  • Achievements: Melissa started stylist training Jan. 9, 2018 and passed the Minnesota Board of Barber Examiners Nov. 6, 2018.
  • Employment Counselor: Zachary Lee, WorkForce Center, North St. Paul.