Shym Cook
Department: Workforce
Tell us about your background?
I am the Job Service Manager at CareerForce at our Saint Paul location in the Midway on Fairview Avenue. I have been with DEED for about 26 years and currently also manage our Anoka CareerForce location. Starting out my career with DEED, I was a manager with the youth programs for over ten years in Minneapolis which included the “Step Up” Program. I was excited to sponsor a youth with the “Right Track” program this year in Saint Paul. I have been working here in Saint Paul for a year now and getting a great feel for the community, partners and opportunities.
Share about your work at CareerForce Saint Paul?
At our location in Saint Paul, we offer not only one-on-one assistance for our customers, but a variety of other services are available with our partners as well. We have Priority of Service for our Veterans, workshops, a computer lab for job search and applying for jobs, Vocational Rehabilitation Services, and ex-offender assistance.
What are some of the employment challenges job seekers in our community are facing at this time?
Some of the common challenges our customers have are transportation, digital literacy, and childcare. There are also a variety of programs offered with career advancement or changes in careers to help with some of these such as the Dislocated Worker Program, the Adult Program, construction training and others.
Where do you see the most opportunities?
The CareerForce staff make a real difference for our customers by helping them enroll in programs, getting signed up for MinnesotaWorks.net – the State’s free online job bank, reviewing resumes, providing information and referrals for services, brainstorming occupation options with transferable skills and so much more.
