Gail Cruikshank

The Greater St. Cloud Development Corporation in 2019, 2022 and this year partnered with the University of Minnesota, GREATER MSP, the Itasca Project and other communities in identifying leaders to participate in the program called Minnesota Young American Leader's.

The work to connect area businesses with the future workforce continues with the EPIC program. EPIC is a community collaborative providing career exploration opportunities for the St. Cloud area future workforce to ensure they identify the career path best aligned for their passions and skill sets.

A shortage of construction workers is one of the challenges Central Minnesota is currently dealing with. I was joined on WJON by Summit Academy President LeRoy West and Talent Director Gail Cruikshank from the Greater St. Cloud Development Cooperation.

More than 6,000 jobs are available according to Gail Cruikshank, Talent Director from the Greater St. Cloud Development Corporation. She says approximately 500 of those jobs are in the construction field. Cruikshank says there are currently limitations for 16 to 18 year old people who'd like to work on construction sites.

St. Cloud District 742 students have an opportunity to explore careers. Gail Cruikshank, Talent Director from the Greater St. Cloud Development Corporation and Laurie Putnam, Assistant Superintendent District 742 joined me on WJON today.

We continue to see a job seekers market in Central Minnesota. I was joined today on WJON by Gail Cruikshank, Talent Director for the St. Cloud Development Corporation and Tammy Biery, Executive Director for Career Solutions. Gail and Tammy discussed opportunities for summer career exploration.

Parents, grandparents, friends, neighbors, mentors and teachers can all be influencers of young people. Gail Cruikshank, the Talent Director for the Greater St. Cloud Development Corporation, joined me on WJON today. She talked about the latest EPIC (Exploring Potential Interests and Careers) event.

Almost all Central Minnesota industries have been hit hard by the nationwide worker shortage. Gail Cruikshank, Talent Director from the Greater St. Cloud Development Corporation, and local HR professional Meghan Murphy joined me on WJON this week. Meghan is also a volunteer with St. Cloud Stand Down.