Minutes - Council - 05/11/2021 - Laserfiche WebLink

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community continues to expand. He stated that they assist manufacturers in workforce incumbent, workforce acquisition, and continuous improvement. He stated that the results of those efforts have allowed them to make progress over the past several years, noting the example of the relationship they have developed with the School District. He explained that interaction with the School District and future business leaders allows them to be more effective. He stated that they have been able to introduce curriculum and develop skills that will allow students to be more prepared for careers in manufacturing. He noted that many of those students are finding jobs before they graduate. David Law, Superintendent of Anoka Hennepin School District 11, advised of courses available through the technical college. He stated that the schools work hard to connect students with the appropriate secondary education option. He stated that they attempt to expose students to areas in which they may be interested, and manufacturing was not previously included. He stated that they have been working to connect students with manufacturing opportunities. He stated that the cohort has an opportunity to reach students and their peers and noted that the District supports this with internship opportunities for students. He stated that it takes a collective effort and the District provides funding to the cohort in the same manner in which the City does. Mr. LeTourneau expressed appreciation to the District for its continued support. He stated that the cohort continues to focus on what is important for manufacturing including issues with workforce, integration of automation, duplicating a model for a national training center, and others. He stated that they work with the school district and specifically with Anoka High School. He stated that although the thought it to lean towards a four-year college, realistically about 70 percent of the student population is more suited towards a career in the trades and 20 percent towards a four-year college program. He stated that they encourage students to find the place in which they would gain value in a career. He stated that this would allow them to continue to work with students and prepare more students for a career in the trades. He stated that this work with the school district would provide more employees to work in the manufacturing businesses in the community. He stated that the cohort wants to continue to do this work and build relationships that allow students to begin a career that will provide them with a great income and build the community. He asked Ramsey to continue to be part of the cohort. He stated that testimonials were included in the staff report from local businesses. Councilmember Howell acknowledged that 21 Ramsey businesses are involved in the cohort and asked how many jobs have been brought into the community because of the cohort. Mr. LeTourneau commented that it has been significant, noting that the testimonials from the businesses support that. He noted that the businesses are expanding and use the cohort format to attract and find more employees. He stated that on occasion he will receive a resume from someone, and he distributes that to the cohort network and receives immediate response from multiple businesses. He stated that it has been amazing to see how this effort has assisted with the employment challenges. Councilmember Howell asked if the businesses have indicated a concrete number of employees. City Council / May 11, 2021 Page 7 of 20