YES! students from Lac qui Parle Valley, MACCRAY, and Yellow Medicine East high schools are better prepared to explore careers that benefit the environment after participating in a two-part Green Jobs Workshop in February and March 2022.
First, the teams learned about key workforce skills during a pre-workshop session led by Krista Nelson and Kelly Rickert, both Work & Learn Coordinators with the Southwest Minnesota Private Industry Council. Students explored the importance of a first impression and created a brief “elevator speech” which they can use to introduce themselves to potential employers. Because virtual interviews are becoming more common, the group also discussed how to make a good impression in a virtual setting.
The second part of the workshop was held over Zoom on March 2. Three professionals gave presentations about what a “green job” means to them and how their industry fits into their description of a green job. During Q & A sessions, students were able to ask for more in-depth details about each presenter’s career. Presenters were Lawanda Frank from Granite Falls Energy LLC and two staff from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Area Wildlife Supervisor Curt Vacek and Lac qui Parle State Park Manager Terri Dinesen.
This workshop was organized by YES! Regional Coordinator Jasmine Nieto and funded by a grant from LYFT Career Pathways. Other major support for YES! comes from the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund (ENRTF), Waste Management, and Great River Energy. Thank you!
