Workforce Development's focus on helping residents build careers
03-11-2025
At Hennepin County, we’re dedicated to reducing disparities in seven key areas: Connectivity, Education, Employment, Health, Housing, Income, and Justice. The Department of Workforce Development is dedicated to reducing Employment disparities countywide, empowering employees through training, career growth opportunities, and strategic community partnerships. With 21 employees, Workforce Development initiatives help ensure a skilled, engaged, and future-ready workforce.
May Xiong, chief workforce development officer, understands the importance of being nimble and continuing to make innovative and evolving adjustments to workforce development programs to help each resident based on their holistic situation.
Connecting people to jobs and internships
Workforce Development continually looks at employment data and trends to align its strategies with future talent needs for our local businesses. The department also provides specialized training to ensure long-term job security and growth for residents in its programs.
With an eye on industry demands and resident needs, this forecasting work helps Workforce Development offer the right match at the right time for both job seekers and employers.
Creating and expanding programs
Hennepin GO! (Hennepin Growth and Opportunity) was launched by Workforce Development in 2024 as the core programmatic strategy for providing residents with employment pathways and internships. “Its mission is to connect residents to meaningful, high-demand careers that pay livable wages while building a robust and vibrant workforce for now and the future," said Nola Slagter-Johnson, director of workforce development.
2024 key outcomes:
Hennepin County provided 182 paid internships
14,541 residents were served through workforce programming
1,064 residents were connected with jobs
Jobseekers exiting programs received a median wage of $20/hour
Average wage in career pathway placements of $27 per hour
Learning and looking toward the future
“I am incredibly proud of the significant progress we continue to achieve and the profound impact it is having in the lives of residents. By embracing a holistic, human-centric approach, we are dedicated to considering each person uniquely, with the goal of dismantling the barriers they face," said May Xiong, chief workforce development officer speaking to the Hennepin County Board of Commissioners in August 2024.
Over the next year, Workforce Development will implement a framework to develop, support and employ residents across Hennepin County departments. For residents, Workforce Development aims to:
Provide better services
Reduce employment and income disparities
Reduce dependence on public assistance
Increase employment options across the region
Get involved
Workforce Development’s Hennepin GO is looking for volunteers to host a career exploration table at an event designed to inspire and inform youth about a variety of careers in public service. The event is on Tuesday, April 29 in the 625 Building Auditorium. If you’re interested, please contact Sarah Garbis at sarah.garbis@hennepin.us.