In this episode of Tech Together, hosts Shannon Seaver and Allison Barman discuss the transformative impact of technology on community and youth with leaders from the Youth Skills Training (YST) program at the Department of Labor and Industry. Guests Joanna Daggett, Nimo Samatar, and Faye Blough share insights into how YST initiatives are setting youth up for long-term success by exposing them to various careers, providing training, and facilitating paid work experiences.

The conversation touches on the benefits of the YST program for schools, students, and employers across Minnesota, highlighting industries like advanced manufacturing, agriculture, and IT.

They also discuss the challenges and triumphs of creating sustainable partnerships between schools, employers, and community organizations, the importance of communication and personalized engagement, and the evolving landscape of workforce needs driven by technology.00:00 Introduction and Hosts00:24 Meet the Youth Skills Training Team00:53 The Importance of Youth Skills Training02:38 Program Structure and Benefits06:26 Success Stories and Community Impact09:03 Challenges and Solutions in Building Partnerships15:01 Funding and Sustainability20:51 Employer Involvement and IT Integration25:51 Expanding Perspectives on AI26:40 Employer Insights on Automation27:35 Innovative Tech in Education29:54 The Impact of Youth in the Workforce34:48 Future Vision and Collaboration40:16 Rapid Fire Questions