Big Book of Jobs October 2023

October 2023

Consider Learning a Trade

PAID APPRENTICESHIP AVAILABLE!

Not every career requires a degree from a four-year university. In fact, some of the most varied and sought-after positions are skilled trades learned through technical schools and apprenticeships. You can build a great career with no student debt.

About 30 million jobs in the United States that pay an average of $55,000 per year don’t require bachelor’s degrees, according to the Georgetown Center on Education and the Workforce. CEW also reports that a higher level of education doesn’t necessarily translate into a higher salary. In Texas, for example, workers with associate degrees in chemical technology had median earnings of $75,500 in 2020, compared to $50,600 in median earnings for bachelor’s degree holders in the state.

Training for some of these in-demand roles can begin in high school, where the basics of woodworking or auto repair might be taught. Apprenticeships are available upon graduation. Others may attend a trade school or technical college for more advanced lessons.

Many veterans leave the service with transferable skills that allow them to directly enter the workforce. They may also take advantage of veteran benefits that provide additional training or teach adaptive skills to transition into the civilian workforce.

Those who are willing to work with their hands and complete this training, serve apprenticeships and earn certification emerge with a sturdy career that provides services that are always needed. Most also have substantial pay rates, sometimes into six figures. Key areas of need include electricians, plumbers and construction technology:

PLUMBERS

To earn a license, plumbing technicians must attend a year of training at a technical school and then begin an apprenticeship. They’ll learn about more than pipes and drains. Modern plumbing includes

These jobs are always in demand, profitable and very rewarding.

CONTINUED

cool tech like tankless water heaters, smart appliances and WiFi-powered leak detection systems. You’ll exit training with a job that is always in demand.

CONSTRUCTION TECHNOLOGY

As with plumbing, construction jobs are now defined by huge advancements in computerization. In keeping, one of the fastest-growing trades is the relatively new field of construction technology. These workers are versed in all of the latest smart-enabled systems, with skills ranging from installation to troubleshooting and repairs. With a

focus on everything within the digital footprint of modern spaces, workers in this field needed additional training. It will take two to three years before technologists earn certification, followed by a paid apprenticeship.

ELECTRICIANS

Keck’s Repair is a family-owned and operated company located in Owatonna.

We are currently looking to hire two full-time heavy-duty technicians/diesel mechanics. One position is a computer diagnostics and engine rebuilding specialist. The other person is a tire and brakes specialist.

Candidates must have a technical training degree or equivalent, 5+ years of experience, and a valid Class B license.

Benefits package offered and experience-based pay.

For inquiries or to apply, visit us at 7123 SW 82nd Ave in Owatonna, call 507-455-2679, or visit kecksrepair.com

Qualifications:

• Flexible, self-starter, attentive to details, diplomatic, able to provide and give direction, as well as able to multitask

• Strong interpersonal skills and client orientation and exhibit an ability to work effectively with internal and external contacts as a team member as well as a team

• Sales experience in the print and multimedia industry

• Reliable transportation and current valid driver’s license with current proof of vehicle liability insurance

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook

Responsibilities:

• Educate and sell multimedia products and services to an established business client base and develop new customers

• Conduct customer needs analysis and create presentations and proposals to provide clients with customized solutions

• Utilize traditional methods and social media to prospect for new business

• Sell advertising space in print, and vast array of digital products

with internal and external contacts If you are ready to GROW then contact Tom Kelling at tom.kelling@apgsomn.com DRUG FREE and EOE WORK FORCE. with one of southern Minnesota’s leading multimedia companies! Sales Career GROW your North eldNews North eldNews.com North eldNews.com Northfield News Northfield News Northfield News weekend North eldNews.com North eldNews North eldNews Northfield News Northfield News Northfield News weekend AC Platinum Max Package” includes Diversity, Social, and College networks. page $1,950 1/2 page $1,050 9.88 x 6.25” or 4.88” x 12.5” 1/4 page $575 4.88” x 6.25” 8/7/2023 9.88” x 12.5” $495 9.88” x 12.5” COUNTY NEWS sampler SERVING WASECA COUNTY People’s Press sampler SERVING STEELE COUNTY North eldNews.com North eldNews Northfield News Northfield News Northfield News weekend North eldNews North eldNews.com North eldNews.com Northfield News Northfield News Northfield News weekend section reaching over 96,000 readers across Southern Minnesota. • All ads will be included on our career website minnesotastate.jobs. • Includes 5,000 impressions on any Southern Minn website. Add our “AC Platinum Max Package” that includes Diversity, Social, Veterans, and College networks. Full page $1,950 9.88” x 12.5” 1/2 page $1,050 9.88 x 6.25” or 4.88” x 12.5” 1/4 page $575 4.88” x 6.25” 8/7/2023 Back Page $2,400 9.88” x 12.5” $495 Premium Positions: For Total Audience Reach: $2,200 9.88” x 12.5” Daily News weekend Northfiled News COUNTY NEWS W sampler SERVING WASECA COUNTY People’s Press sampler SERVING STEELE COUNTY sampler sampler North eldNews North eldNews.com North eldNews.com Northfield News Northfield News Northfield News weekend North eldNews.com North eldNews North eldNews Northfield News Northfield News Northfield News weekend • Print ad in special inserted section reaching over 96,000 readers across Southern Minnesota. • All ads will be included on our career website minnesotastate.jobs. • Includes 5,000 impressions on any Southern Minn website. Add our “AC Platinum Max Package” that includes Diversity, Social, Veterans, and College networks. Full page $1,950 9.88” x 12.5” 1/2 page $1,050 9.88 x 6.25” or 4.88” x 12.5” Back Page $2,400 9.88” x 12.5” Premium Positions: For Total Audience Reach: Daily News FARIBAULT weekend Northfiled News People’s Press OWATONNA sampler SERVING STEELE COUNTY sampler sampler North eldNews.com North eldNews North eldNews.com Northfield News Northfield News Northfield News weekend North eldNews North eldNews.com North eldNews Northfield News Northfield News Northfield News weekend Add our “AC Platinum Max Package” that includes Diversity, Social, Veterans, and College networks. Full page $1,950 9.88” x 12.5” 1/2 page $1,050 9.88 x 6.25” or 4.88” x 12.5” 1/4 page $575 4.88” x 6.25” 8/7/2023 Back Page $2,400 9.88” x 12.5” $495 Premium Positions: Inside Back/Front $2,200 9.88” x 12.5” COUNTY NEWS sampler SERVING WASECA COUNTY People’s Press sampler SERVING STEELE COUNTY sampler sampler ADVERTISING: DEANNA BOLAND AMBER CASTERTON KATHLEEN DAVIES CRYSTAL HOBART TIM MART VICTORIA RUD TONI SCHMIDT BIG BOOK OF JOBS OCTOBER 2023 is distributed to readers of the Owatonna People’s Press Sampler, Faribault Daily News Sampler, Northfield News Sampler, Waseca County News Sampler, St. Peter Herald & Le Sueur County News Sampler. ©2023 This publication is copyrighted by APG Southern Minnesota and no content can be reproduced without permission. SENIOR GENERAL MANAGER: ROSS ULRICH REGIONAL MANAGING EDITOR: PHILIP WEYHE SALES DIRECTOR: TOM KELLING

Developing Good Habits

If your search

Job seeking can be a stressful, exhausting process. You may be dealing with stress over financial pressures, not to mention anxiety about starting over with a new employer. Bad habits can take hold along the way. That’s why it’s important to develop and follow best practices to stay on track.

SEARCH TOGETHER

There’s a sense of camaraderie to be found with other job seekers, so widen your circle to include them. They may also be aware of open positions that you haven’t yet noticed. Create a shared community, whether online or in person, where you can discuss new job openings. You can also take advantage of this space to discuss personal challenges and opportunities. Time spent between jobs is far less stressful when there’s a sense that you aren’t alone. You’ll be there to share potential employment leads, but also critical advice or even a shoulder to lean on. You could become one of the first to apply after receiving a hot tip, and perhaps a friend for life long after you’ve moved on to your next job opportunity.

DON’T STOP UPDATING

Your employment has ended, but your resume doesn’t have to remain static. Continue updating your application materials to focus on requirements for each individual employment option.

bogs down,

turn to these best practices

These customizations will help your cover letter, resume and LinkedIn accounts stand out among other applicants by highlighting the special educational and professional achievements that a hiring manager is looking for. Many companies employ software that searches for keywords, making constant updating even more critical. At the same time, you can continue professional development projects – and include them on your resume. This

shows that you’ve remained engaged with your field, even between jobs.

ASK FOR HELP

If you feel like you’ve reached a professional dead end, reach out to career counselors, professional resume writers and leaders with industry groups. They can help you tailor your search toward new

challenges to spark new career momentum. Discuss your journey with friends, family and other professional contacts. Being open and honest will help them better understand how to help you to your next success story. Former coworkers and industry leaders have likely been in the same position at one time or another. They may also know about new roles that would suit you perfectly.

Benefits to attract job candidates

Not unlike the sellers’ and buyers’ markets that set the tone in real estate, industry has its periods when the advantage shifts from employer to job seeker and vice versa. From quiet quitting to the great resignation, a number of phenomena permeated various industries in recent years.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that the job market grew by 107,756 jobs in recent years. That was a positive sign after years of uncertainty stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic. There are plenty of optimists who believe this level of job growth can sustain throughout 2023. That’s good news as long as there are workers to fill the positions.

Employers might discover that applicants are not so easy to find, as more openings means job seekers can be more selective about which jobs they apply to and ultimately accept. That means recruiters may need to focus directly on those things job seekers want most.

Remote work

The global pandemic helped seal the deal on how companies could pivot to full-time or hybrid remote work with nary a blip on the operational radar. Advancements in technology have made it possible for workers from all over the globe to seamlessly function with one another without having to share the same physical space. While some corporations have been hold-outs, preferring to maintain a physical staff, others have learned that embracing remote work enables them to reduce overhead costs and attract applicants from all over - not just the immediate vicinity. Highlighting remote working opportunities can attract a greater number of applicants.

Alternate work schedule

Flexibility in scheduling also can be a perk employers may want to highlight in their job listings. According to LinkedIn, many companies are now focusing on adopting a more flexible work schedule that goes beyond the traditional 9 to 5. Allowing workers the freedom to choose their hours as long as the work is getting done can be a major draw for applicants.

Open communication

Employers who stand behind mottos to be open to employees’ needs and willing to communicate and negotiate could attract and retain quality staff. ‘Quiet quitting’ emerged when workers took worklife balance into their own hands rather than going to employers with issues - perhaps fearing retaliation or less-than-supportive outcomes. According to Forbes, progressive employers can emphasize workplace communication and help employees set healthy boundaries.

Continued education

Experts note that there is a growing shortage of professionals available, particularly in the trades. College education and white-collar work was once touted as the preferential next steps after high school. Technical and trade employers can put together benefits packages that include paying for a portion of the classes or certifications needed for key jobs in the trades - opening up possibilities to a new demographic.

Attracting qualified candidates in this employeeadvantaged job market means catering to what applicants desire most in a job.

I f you think buying an ad in this publication is going to attrac t the quality candidates your business needs, you should contac t Doher ty!

Great part-time jobs for retirees

afford a certain retirement lifestyle may no longer enjoy that hard-earned luxury. Others may miss the daily opportunities to socialize that working provides, or the way problem-solving on the job stimulates the brain. But even retirees who miss working may not be ready to return to the workforce full-time. That can make part-time employment an ideal fit for mature workers. Here’s a look at some part-time positions that could be a good fit for older adults reentering the workforce.

Retail sales associate

Working in retail opens seniors up to a wide array of responsibilities and scenarios. Jobs may include greeting customers, making sales, putting out inventory, and helping customers select merchandise. Being personable and having good customer service skills are necessary traits to have when working in retail. Many stores offer part-time employees flexible hours so schedules can be customized.

Consultant

Many adults nearing retirement age count down the days until they can bid adieu to the daily tasks of commuting and working so they can enjoy much more time for recreation, travel or whatever is they aspire to do.

As enticing as unending free time may seem, some retirees find it is not ideal to be entirely free from the responsibility of working. As current seniors can attest, inflation can drive up the costs of living, meaning that seniors who were once able to

Retirees who loved their job but wanted to spend less time doing it can return as consultants. According to The Balance: Money, individuals often find they earn more per hour working as consultants than they did as full-time staff members. Consulting is a way to share expertise and experience without making a full-time commitment.

Customer service representative

A customer service representative is tasked with helping customers solve problems and ensuring customer satisfaction. He or she may work ain a traditional office or store location, or answer calls and resolve issues from home.

School positions

Retirees may want to consider jobs working in schools or in related capacities. Driving a school bus is an option if people are willing to undergo the proper training and licensing to operate this type of vehicle. Seniors also may consider working as lunchroom aides or lunch service providers, crossing guards, substitute teachers, and paraprofessionals. School employees will only work a few hours during the day. TheyÕll also enjoy many holidays off as well as summer vacations.

Receptionist

Receptionists greet patients or customers in office settings. According to AARP, they are the welcoming faces of organizations. Answering phones and light clerical work also may be required of receptionists. Those who want to work off-peak hours can think about working nights and weekends in hospitals or skilled nursing facilities.

Seniors have many different options if they decide they want to return to the workforce in a parttime capacity.

Common workplace benefits

Salary is just one component of the package that businesses may offer their employees. Though salary is important, an honest comparison of companies can benefit from a look at the larger picture - and that includes an analysis of what companies offer in addition to financial compensation.

Some people feel that certain perks outrank salary on their professional priority list. The Society of Human Resource Management indicates 92 percent of employees feel employment benefits are important for overall job satisfaction. They’re also a driving factor when candidates read job postings.

Certain benefits are standard offerings, while others take perks a step further. The following are some of the benefits job seekers may encounter in job listings and during the interview process.

Health insurance

Offering health insurance is mandatory in certain areas, while in others it is up to the employer. Insurance costs may be taken care of by an employer, while in most cases employees have a portion of those costs deducted from their paychecks. Health benefits also may be extended to employees’ family members. Large organizations may allow employees to choose their health insurance provider, while small firms may only contract with one company.

Flexible health spending account

A health care spending account, sometimes called a health savings account, enables employees

to set aside a portion of their incomes before taxes are deducted. That money can be used for qualified health purchases. Employees submit receipts for these health needs, which can include copayments, over-the-counter medications, sanitary products, or first aid equipment, and then get reimbursed up to the amount they had deducted for the year. HSAs are one way to reduce tax burden.

Paid time off

Often referred to as ‘PTO,’ this is a benefit that enables employees to schedule personal days off from work. Typically, PTO accrues each pay period by a set number of hours. PTO may occur in place of or in conjunction with separate vacation time. PTO can be a negotiating point with prospective employers who do not have wiggle room on salary offerings.

Life insurance

Many employers contract with life insurance companies to offer their employees discounted rates on life insurance premiums. Employees typically pay these costs out of pocket, but the employer facilitates the relationship with the insurance broker.

Retirement savings

Employers may offer pensions or other retirement savings plans such as 401(k) and 403(b) accounts. Employees contribute a percentage of their salaries and employers may make matching or discretionary contributions as well.

Flex scheduling/ remote work

Many employers recognize the advantage of allowing employees to work from home all or a portion of the week. An alternate work schedule also may be offered to help employees. With an alternate work schedule, employees may eschew the traditional 9 to 5 schedule for an 8 to 4 or even 11 to 7 schedule. Flexibility is something employees covet, as it can help them achieve a work/life balance.

These are just some of the benefits professionals can consider as they search for a new job. Additional benefits include bonuses, stock options and tuition reimbursement.

Beyond Online Job Boards

Those looking for open positions can usually find a treasure trove through online job boards and classified advertisements. But plenty of opportunities exist outside of those closed systems, and leveraging your personal network, in-person job fairs and social media may uncover employment options you never knew existed.

PERSONAL NETWORK

There will always be a so-called “hidden job market” where openings exist that are never posted online — or, in previous eras, printed in newspapers or circulars. Employers may take this approach because they’ve engaged the services of a recruiting firm, are trying to save money on advertising fees, are hiring internally or are relying upon internal recommendations. In the latter case, you may be able to promote your candidacy through personal peer connections. Expand your personal network to include former coworkers and friends in the industry, those who work at a company of interest to you, and experts and leaders whom you may have crossed paths with along the way. Let them know you are open to new opportunities, and doors may open that you never knew existed.

SHARPEN SOCIAL MEDIA

Keep in mind how important your own social media presence is when it comes time to look for a

new job. Before you begin the process of widening your network, make sure you’re presenting your best face online. Everything should be in service of your career goals during a job hunt.

Highlight important professional achievements, while engaging in conversations about the industry and its unique challenges and opportunities. Make sure you’re not participating in potentially offputting behavior on the web. Basic searches are sure to follow from a hiring manager, so this also gets you ahead of the game.

IN-PERSON SEARCHES

Look for upcoming job fairs and related industry conferences, and make plans to visit with industry leaders and peers within your field of employment. At the very least, you’ll be extending your professional web. But these in-person events might also lead to concrete employment opportunities. When making new contacts, be concise and informative. Strengthen your message by being reactive to their comments, not simply listing off your own achievements and credentials. Present yourself with confidence, but try to avoid coming off as too assertive or overbearing. First impressions count.

Don’t limit your search to the same old tried-and-true resources

Current Opening s For A uto Body Shop Te chnicians

The technician repairs and refinishes damaged body parts and bodies of vehicles in accordance with factory and dealership specifications, using hand tools, power tools, and spray-painting equipment.

A utomotive Service Te chnicians

The technician test-drives vehicles, and tests components and systems using diagnostic tools and service equipment.They also diagnose, maintain, and repair vehicle automotive systems including engine, transmission, electrical steering, suspension, brakes, air conditioning, etc.