Good Jobs through Good Will

Goodwill-Easter Seals Minnesota helps Ramsey County residents gain the skills, credentials and support needed to build lasting careers.

This article marks the fourth in a series highlighting Ramsey County Workforce Solution’s partners. These community-based organizations deliver specialized employment and training services on behalf of the county. Their efforts expand access to workforce programs through career exploration, job-readiness training and paid work experiences for individuals facing barriers to employment. They are integral in strengthening the local workforce ecosystem and helping residents move toward stable, long-term employment. 

A strong economy for any community depends on a skilled workforce, but there is no one “correct path” for every person in that labor pool. 
"Our clients are the experts on themselves and what they want for their careers. Our role is to walk alongside them,” said Avery Bardell, Program Manager for Goodwill-Easter Seals Minnesota Adult Placement Team.

This philosophy guides Goodwill-Easter Seals Minnesota's efforts in its partnership with Ramsey County to strengthen the region's workforce. Every career journey looks different. Some young people need an alternative path to complete their education. Others are experienced professionals navigating an unexpected layoff or seeking new skills in a changing job market.

As a workforce partner with Ramsey County, Goodwill-Easter Seals Minnesota provides services to strengthen individuals and employers through education, training, career coaching and employment opportunities.

Building on different paths

One of Goodwill's signature programs is YouthBuild, for young people ages 16 to 24 yet to find success in traditional educational settings. Rather than offering a one-size-fits-all model, YouthBuild gives participants choices to pursue careers aligned with their interests and abilities.
Students can earn either a GED or an online high school diploma while engaging in hands-on training in either the construction or automotive career pathway. Over the course of the 22-week program, participants earn valuable industry certificates and credentials, including OSHA 10, First Aid/CPR/AED, MnDOT Flagger, MC3, S/P2 Automotive Safety, ASE Entry Level Maintenance and Light Repair, as well as other certificates necessary for employment or continued education.

"Many of our students simply need a different learning environment," said Kristen Hoyles, YouthBuild Program Manager. “They may have tried traditional schools or alternative schools without success, but they thrive in a program that is active, hands-on and focused on building practical skills alongside academics.”

The program also addresses an important workforce need. As skilled trades face an aging workforce, YouthBuild helps develop the next generation of construction and automotive professionals while giving young adults the confidence and credentials to build successful careers.

Individualized services

Goodwill's workforce services extend to adult programming, too. Through the federally funded Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)

Adult and Dislocated Worker programs, Goodwill supports Ramsey County residents who have been laid off, are underemployed, or face barriers to employment.

Unlike traditional job placement services, Goodwill’s programs are highly individualized, allowing career navigators to work one-on-one with each participant. The result is a personalized employment plan based on their skills, goals and circumstances.

"We really pride ourselves on that individuality," said Bardell. “The world of work is changing so quickly that these programs help bridge the skills gap that results.” 

That personalized support may include resume development, interview preparation, career exploration, or assistance in navigating today's online hiring process. For someone who spent 25 years with one employer before being laid off, the job search may look very different from what it does for someone changing careers after several short-term positions.

Meeting where they’re at…literally

Flexibility is another hallmark of Goodwill's approach. Career navigators meet participants where it is most convenient, which could be Goodwill's Saint Paul office, virtually, a local library, a coffee shop, or outside traditional business hours when needed.

“Beyond the individuality in plans we create, it’s important to be flexible in how and where we can meet our clients, because there is such a large need, with every industry being impacted at some level,” said Bardell. “We're helping people move into not just a job, but a career they'll enjoy and can stay in for 10 or 25 years.”

Addressing financial barriers to employment is an essential component of the programming. Many participants are eligible for assistance paying for certifications, licensing exams, or testing fees necessary for in-demand careers. 

Goodwill is also adapting to meet future workforce needs as industry evolves. Beyond YouthBuild, the organization has launched a CleanTech Accelerator to introduce training programs in solar installation, heat pump technology and electric vehicle charging-station repair, all necessary in Minnesota's growing clean energy economy.

These efforts help strengthen Ramsey County's workforce ecosystem while creating opportunities for residents to achieve economic independence.

Ultimately, Goodwill-Easter Seals Minnesota's mission reaches beyond helping someone find their next job. It is about helping people build lasting careers, achieve financial stability and contribute to stronger communities throughout Ramsey County.

"When people find meaningful, well-paying work in their communities, it benefits everyone," Hoyles said. “It creates stronger families, stronger neighborhoods and a stronger local economy.”

Learn more about and connect with Goodwill-Easter Seals Minnesota today. Contact Ramsey County Workforce Solutions to learn more or explore partnership opportunities to help build a stronger, more inclusive Ramsey County.