Bridging the gap between local employers and the next generation of professionals is a key workforce strategy for southwest Minnesota.
A dedicated Youth Career Connector team collaborates with school districts and employers to organize hands-on events designed to introduce students to local employers and a wide array of career opportunities within Southwest Minnesota. Since the beginning of the school year, we have successfully engaged with over 1600 students and 82 employers through these impactful events. These events and activities include guest speakers, business tours, job shadows, LifeSkills, career fairs, tour of manufacturing, tour of healthcare careers, and more.
These events and activities create opportunities for students not only to gain exposure to the diverse careers available in our region but also to receive valuable insights into the skills and education required to pursue these careers. As a local employer, you are invited to actively participate in our upcoming events.
Your involvement can take place through our three different programs:
YOUTH CAREER CONNECTED EVENTS (YCC)
- Opportunities for businesses to connect with high school students.
- Options include career fairs, guest speaking, business tours, and more.
- Check below for currently scheduled events and registration details.
SUMMER WORK EXPERIENCE PROGRAM
- A program enabling students to gain valuable work experience during the summer and an opportunity to promote your positions
- Students learn job-specific and soft skills.
- Please complete this form to indicate your interest in being a host site.
SUMMER COLLEGE INTERNSHIP PROGRAM
- Connects college students with local businesses for paid internships.
- Provides professional experience and insights into hometown opportunities.
- Seeking business partners in participating counties to be host sites.
- Open to Nobles and Murray County Employers.
- Salaries are covered by the program.
By participating in these events, you not only contribute to the development of local talent but also invest in the future success of your business. Together, we can create a thriving community where businesses and the workforce grow hand in hand.
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Upcoming Youth Career Connector Events
Westbrook Walnut Grove Job Shadow Day – April 10, 2024
Looking for businesses from various pathways to host a student for a job shadow day. You would be paired up with a student interested in an occupation you offer. Contact Maria at 507-295-5020
Lac qui Parle Career Fair – April 24, 2024 – FULL
A career fair for 7th – 12th grades from Lac qui Parle Valley High School. This event will occur from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Lac qui Parle High School
YMIC Business Tour Day – April 29, 2024 – FULL
This event allows juniors from six area high schools (Yellow Medicine East, Minneota, Canby, Renville County West, Dawson-Boyd, and Lakeview) to explore what local careers Marshall has to offer.
Minneota Career Fair – May 3, 2024
A career fair for high school students from Minneota High School. This event will occur from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Minneota High School. Register for Career Fair