JFCS’ IT Pathways one of many programs across state being highlighted as part of Workforce Development Month

Gov. Tim Walz is highlighting efforts to connect Minnesotans to high-growth, high-demand jobs

By Sheilah Howard • JFCS Career Services Director

September is Workforce Development Month and Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan are highlighting efforts to connect Minnesotans to high-growth, high-demand jobs through job training and workforce development programs. This includes JFCS’ IT Pathways program.

Our IT Pathways program is in its 10th year – we’ve served over 1,000 individuals in that time. We help participants access training and prepare for entry-level positions in IT, including computer user support, helpdesk, network support, full stack engineering, and user experience design. These are high-growth, in-demand positions that offer family-sustaining wages.

The program’s funding primarily comes from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) and the City of Minneapolis. DEED and its business and nonprofit partners strive to connect people who need work with employment, and to help employers reach often overlooked labor pools. With JFCS’ IT Pathways program, we have focused our efforts on serving under-represented populations in IT: Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) individuals and women.

Walz and Flanagan touted initiatives passed during the 2023 legislative session that will ramp up funding in these areas, as did DEED Commissioner Matt Varilek. “Thanks to historic and visionary initiatives passed during the legislative session, DEED and our workforce development partners have new tools to help people prepare for and find employment,” Varilek said. “This is great news for Minnesota workers and employers, including businesses struggling to find the workers they need during our tight labor market.”

IT Pathways is one of several Career Services programs JFCS offers – our certified professionals can help you with every aspect of your job search. Our programs empower people to explore and identify their visions of career success, including access to or support for career training.

JFCS Career Services are FREE, and we serve clients of all backgrounds. You don’t need to be Jewish to utilize our services, and we work with clients from entry- to executive-level positions – click here for more information!