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Winona WorkForce Center
August 2008 |
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Tracking Occupational Trends in the
New Millennium Minnesota Economic Trends By Dave Senf While job growth during the first seven years of the new millennium has slowed compared with the robust pace of the late 1990s, demand has been strong for some occupations in Minnesota. The dynamic nature of the employment market means that the occupational mix of jobs in the state will continue to shift no matter what the economy is doing. Various forces affect job prospects, including demand for goods and services, technological innovation, globalization, productivity gains, shifts in business practices and changes in laws. The changing family mealtime is a prime example of how shifting spending habits reshape the workplace. Minnesotans spend less time preparing meals at home today than 10 years ago. Families are eating out more or bringing more prepared or partially prepared food home. This shift in eating habits translates into expanded demand for food service managers, chefs, cooks and food-preparation workers. In another example of the evolving workforce, rising worker productivity because of computers and automated machinery has lowered the demand for assemblers at Minnesota manufacturing companies. At the same time, demand has increased for workers who install or repair automation equipment. The Internet has increased jobs for workers with information technology skills but has reduced demand for writers at newspapers, which are cutting payrolls in response to lower revenues as advertising dollars move to the Internet. Increased demand for higher education is one factor in the growth in post-secondary teaching positions. But just as important is the use of more part-time faculty at colleges. This switch is an example of a change in business practice. Offshoring ¬¬ — moving jobs to sites outside the United States — is another business trend that is affecting Minnesota. A share of Minnesota’s manufacturing job decline over the last 10 years is likely related to offshoring, as businesses seek to be closer to markets and supplies, as well as to lower production costs. Changes in laws can also influence the ebb and flow of occupations. Stricter criminal sentencing guidelines put in place 10 years ago mean more correctional facilities and staffing are needed. Accountants and auditors can thank the heightened regulatory climate and various new accounting regulations for the jump in demand for their services over the last few years. So how have the above factors shifted the occupational sands in Minnesota since 2000? Figures 1 and 2 summarize the best available occupational data on Minnesota’s job market since 2000. Figure 1 is based on a survey of Minnesota employers by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). The occupational data in Figure 2 was collected in a survey of Minnesota employees by the U.S. Census Bureau. Figure 1 shows Minnesota’s occupation mix over 22 major groups. The data in Figure 1 are from the Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) program, which uses semi-annual surveys to produce employment and wage estimates for about 800 occupation classifications. OES survey samples are drawn from employers covered by the Unemployment Insurance (UI) system. In Minnesota about 6,000 employers participate in the survey each year.1 About 92 percent of all jobs in the state are covered by the OES data; the self-employed are excluded in the OES survey. Food preparation and serving-related jobs have expanded the fastest since 1999, according to the OES data, while production jobs have slipped the most. Major occupational groups with above-average growth include high-skill, high-paying positions in business and financial operations, health care and technical fields, and low-skill, low-paid jobs in food preparation and serving and in personal care and service.
Figure 2 shows recent changes in Minnesota’s occupational mix at a greater level of aggregation than the OES occupational mix in Figure 1. Figure 2 data is based on the American Community Survey (ACS) conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau. The American Community Survey is a nationwide survey of households designed to replace the decennial long form in future censuses. The survey provides annual estimates of demographic, housing, social and economic characteristics for all states, as well as for all cities, counties, metropolitan areas and population groups of 65,000 people or more.2
are held by people who are self-employed or working in jobs not covered by Unemployment Insurance are, in theory, captured. The level of occupational detail available through the ACS is limited but will improve when the ACS is fully implemented. The occupational trends evident in the ACS data correspond to the occupational trends identified in the OES data. Employment in service and management, professional, and related occupations is growing faster than overall employment. Jobs in production, transportation and materials-moving occupations, as a group, have lagged behind overall employment. Both the OES and ACS data confirm that a lot is going on below the surface of the Minnesota labor market. Job growth may have slowed, but the ebbs and flows of occupations continue. Just as some industries are growing and others shrinking, the same is happening with occupations, with some expanding and others dropping off. 1For more information on the OES program visit http://www.deed.state.mn.us/lmi/tools/oes/default.aspx. 2More information on the ACS is available at http://www.census.gov/acs/www/.
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Delay Benefits ~ ST. PAUL -- The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) reminds all Minnesotans that the state’s Unemployment Insurance (UI) web site – http://www.uimn.org – is Minnesota’s official source to file applications for UI benefits or for any information about the program. Services offered through the state are free, but some independent web sites, such as www.unemploymentbenefits.com or www.unemployment advisor.com may charge a fee to link to Minnesota’s UI web site, or provide unemployment benefit information or assistance that could be false or misleading. These sites may look official, but they are not authorized or approved by the State of Minnesota. Use of these web sites could jeopardize or delay benefits. "The official state unemployment insurance site is the only web site that Minnesotans should use for unemployment benefits," said DEED Commissioner Dan McElroy. "People should guard against web sites that seem to be applications for benefits, when, in fact, they are not." Apply for unemployment benefits at http://www.uimn.org The online system is available from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Central Time), Monday through Friday. The UI customer service representatives may be reached 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at
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Business Services Online Tutorial April 30, 2008 e-News for Small Businesses "e-News for Small Business" <irs@service.govdelivery.com> Social Security’s new online tutorial provides an introduction to Business Services Online. BSO offers step-by-step instructions for 10 business services available online, including:
The tutorial provides an introduction to the use of Business Services Online (BSO). It is for employers and/or submitters who would like to explore the business services available via Business Services Online. It is divided into 10 sections that can be viewed individually. The content of the tutorial is generic in nature and does not provide specific instructions for every possible use of Business Online Services. You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view the tutorial. Acrobat Reader version 5.0 is recommended. If you do not have Acrobat Reader on your computer, you can follow this link to download a free copy of Acrobat Reader. www.adobe.com If you would like additional information, please call 1-800-772-6270 (TDD/TTY 1-800-325-0778) or send an email to employerinfo@ssa.gov Tutorial Links How to use.... Business Services Online Overview Business Services Online Registration View Submission Status/Errors/Notice Information View Employer Report Status/Errors/Notice Information Acknowledge Resubmission Notices Request Resubmission Extension Social Security Number Verification Service
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VETERANS SERVICES ELIGIBILITY To qualify for services you must meet the following definition of an Eligible Veteran and register with your Minnesota WorkForce Center. The term "Eligible Veteran" means a person who:
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Fortune 500 Companies and Percentage of Households Using Internet have been updated. 5/12/08
Here are some highlights:
* Minnesota ranks ninth nationwide with 19 Fortune 500 companies. * Minnesota ranks first among states in the number of Fortune 500 companies per capita. * With 13 of the largest private companies in the country, Minnesota ranks 12th in the Forbes Largest Private Companies list. * Nearly 80 percent of households in Minnesota use the Internet in and outside the home, ranking seventh in the nation and first in the 12-state Midwest region.
For these and other topics go to: http://www.compareminnesota.com/
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COMPLYING WITH FEDERAL EMPLOYMENT LAWS The U.S. Department of Labor today unveiled the FirstStep Recordkeeping, Reporting and Notices elaws Advisor - its latest tool to help employers comply with federal employment laws. By using this tool, employers can easily determine which recordkeeping, reporting and notice requirements apply to them under the major laws administered by the Department. This new elaws Advisor has been integrated with the revised and expanded FirstStep Poster and FirstStep Employment Law Overview Advisors. All three Advisors help employers identify the federal employment laws relevant to them and then explain how to comply with the requirements. This new suite of elaws Advisors is available at www.dol.gov/elaws/firststep.
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State Manufactured Exports Surge to Record $16.2 Billion ST. PAUL, Minn. -- Minnesota’s manufactured exports soared to a record $16.2 billion in 2007, growing by nearly $1 billion or 6.5 percent over the previous year, according to figures released today by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). With the exception of computers and electronics, all major manufacturing sectors in the state increased exports during the year – many of them to record levels. Computers and electronics, while declining by nearly 9 percent last year, remains Minnesota’s largest export category, accounting for $4 billion or about one-fourth of the state’s sales in 2007.
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UPPER MIDWEST MANUFACTURING SUCCESS WEBSITE http://www.mfgsuccess.com/um/index.php Directories
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LinkedIn brings together your professional network
http://www.linkedin.com/
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Given the growing interest in renewable energy and conservation programs, "Green States, 2007" has been added to Compare Minnesota. Some of the highlights are:
* Forbes ranks Minnesota as the 15th greenest state nationwide. The state ranks particularly high in energy efficiency policies and clean water and air.
*Minneapolis (11th) and St. Paul (12th) are among the greenest cities, according to a 2008 report by Popular Science.
* Minnesota ranks fourth nationwide in ethanol production capacity with 1,078 million gallons according to the 2008 Ethanol Industry Outlook by the Renewable Fuels Association. Rankings include gallons online (620 million) and under construction and expansion (458 million).
* As of January 2008, there were 67 wind projects in Minnesota, producing nearly 1,300 megawatts (MW) and ranking third nationwide in existing wind capacity.
To check this and other topics, please go to:
http://www.compareminnesota.com/
Magda Olson
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Some Recycling resources for Business From WORKBENCH June 2008
You can help save the planet by recycling more than bottles and cans. Athletic Shoes – go to http://LetMePlay.com to find out how to recycle any brand of athletic shoe through Nike’s Reuse-a-Shoe program. There are drop sites at shoe stores across the country, or you can mail your old shoes directly to Nike. To date, about 20 million pairs of shoes have been recycled through this program. The shoe rubber gets new life in sport surfaces like running tracks. Techno Trash – at http://GreenDisk.com (address is case sensitive) you can learn how to mail your “techno trash” to the Green Disk company. Or you can call 800-305-3475 with questions. The cost starts at $7 for 20 pounds of outdated stuff---a small price to pay to relieve your conscience and enjoy clean closets! Computers – Most major computer manufacturers now offer some type of recycling program—check their websites for details. You can also compare the various manufacturers” programs and locate independent recyclers at http://ComputerTakeBack.com. Or give your local waste authority a call to find out if there are options for computer recycling computers in your community. Handheld Devices— You can drop off your old cell phones, pagers, and PDA’s at Staples stores across the country. If you don’t live near a Staples, go to http://CollectiveGood.com for instructions on how to mail in items for recycling or environmentally friendly disposal.
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Recurring MinnesotaWorks.net Employer Question Why do I get statewide results when matching? If you match the job description or resume and get results from across the State, this means you are matching from the edit section of the job description or resume. This feature is useful at times when you or a job seeker is looking throughout the State. However, if you would like to regionalize your match, you must go to the search section of their account. Employers: Go to the “Search for Resumes” link from your menu and choose the job order you want to match from the drop list. You will then be able to enter a ZIP Code where seekers are willing to work. Also note that if you are looking for a specific education you can check to narrow the match. |
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Shared WorkYour Company's Most Valuable Assets are Your Employees! The Shared Work Program is an option for employers faced with a layoff. It allows an employer to divide available hours of work among a group of employees instead of a full layoff. Affected employees may then receive partial unemployment insurance benefits while working reduced hours. By participating in the Shared Work Program, an employer can maintain morale, productivity and flexibility in the work place. The Shared Work Program is intended as an alternative to full layoffs. It cannot be used by employers facing seasonal layoffs and is not an effective tool for employers faced with a permanent downsizing. Employers who have used the program successfully in Minnesota have a number of things in common:
Here is an example of how the program can work: A firm facing a 20 percent reduction in business may consider laying off one-fifth of its workforce. However, under an approved Shared Work plan, that company could maintain its total workforce while reducing each worker's scheduled hours by one-fifth or 20 percent. Employees would receive a partial unemployment insurance payment equal to 20 percent of their individual weekly unemployment insurance award along with the income earned for the week under the approved plan. To be approved, an employer must submit a Shared Work plan that:
If you are an employer interested in participating in the Shared Work Program, you must submit an application. The information you provide on the application is considered private data under Minnesota law; consequently, you are asked to mail or fax your application. To obtain an application OR to learn more about the program, contact:
Shared Work Specialist
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Minnesota Health Information
Go to: http://www.minnesotahealthinfo.org/index.html |
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The Vets Career Fair will be October 9 at the Earle Browne Center. Last year DOL mandated that all states would do a Vets Job Fair the week before Veterans Day. In Minnesota that is also known as "deer hunting week", so we have selected Oct 9 this year instead. Last year Minnesota (DEED Veterans Employment Service) hosted the l largest single- day Vets Job Fair in the country. (Last year we had 102 businesses/employers attend as fee paying exhibitors, and almost 1300 Veterans attend.) We have 24 businesses signed up so far this year, and are expecting well over 100 to participate. Go to: http://www.mncertifiedvets.us/news.htm#fair for more information |
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SBA introduces new online courses for small business owners The Small Business Administration’s Small Business Training Network has introduced two new free online finance courses to help small business owners with the basic principles of finance and borrowing:
Go to http://www.sba.gov/services/training/index.html for details.
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JUNE is good month for Minnesota Business
Minnesota gained jobs for the second consecutive month in June, with employers adding 3,400 positions on top of the 2,500 jobs that were created in May, according to figures released today by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). The state has added 1,900 jobs through the first half of the year, compared with a U.S. loss of 438,000 jobs during that period.
The state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate dropped to 5.3 percent, while the U.S. rate held steady at 5.5 percent in June.
"While some areas of the state and some industries are lagging, Minnesota 's overall economy continues to hold its own compared with the national picture," said DEED Commissioner Dan McElroy. "The state has added jobs in three of the last four months, with manufacturing among the bright spots in June, thanks to steady job growth in computers and electronics manufacturing."
Manufacturing added 1,300 jobs during June. In addition, preliminary U.S. Department of Commerce data indicate that the state’s manufactured exports are up nearly 10 percent this year through May, suggesting that international sales growth may be driving some growth in manufacturing.
Other sectors gaining jobs this month included Government, and Education and Health Services, which each gained 1,400 jobs. Growth was also seen in Financial Activities (up 900), Other Services (up 600) and Construction (up 600).
Job losses were seen in Trade, Transportation and Utilities (down 1,500), Professional and Business Services (down 800), Information (down 200), Leisure and Hospitality (down 200), and Natural Resources and Mining (down 100).
Over the past year, the state has added 7,600 jobs, for a growth rate of 0.3 percent, compared with a U.S. growth rate of -0.1 percent during that same period.
Minnesota industries that have gained jobs since June 2007 are Education and Health Services (up 10,200), Government (up 7,300), Financial Activities (up 2,400), Professional and Business Services (up 2,200), and Leisure and Hospitality (up 2,000).
Over-the-year job losses were posted by Construction (down 8,000), Manufacturing (down 4,600), Trade, Transportation and Utilities (down 2,400), Information (down 600), Other Services (down 900), and Natural Resources and Mining (down 20).
Employment in the Minneapolis-St. Paul Metropolitan Statistical Area has grown 0.3 percent in the past year with the addition of 4,800 jobs. In other regions over the past year, Duluth-Superior grew 0.6 percent with 800 additional jobs, Rochester grew 0.8 percent with 900 jobs, St. Cloud grew 1.0 percent with 1,000 jobs, Fargo-Moorhead grew 0.9 percent with 1,100 jobs, and Grand Forks grew 1.9 percent with 1,000 jobs. These figures are not seasonally adjusted.
For additional information on the June employment information, please visit www.positivelyminnesota.com.
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