New Survey Signals Hope for Central Minnesota Workforce Shortage

(KNSI) – A recent survey on where central Minnesota’s next generation of workers want to live and how they want to earn a living is helping community planners prepare for the future.

According to data from CareerForce MN and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, the statewide labor market continues to evolve, and students in the St. Cloud region are making pragmatic, opportunity-driven choices that align with what local employers need.

The report states central Minnesota has one of the most diverse mixes of career opportunities, with the regional economy rooted in healthcare, manufacturing, education, transportation, and skilled trades. Early survey data shows students are increasingly aware of these opportunities and are expressing interest in careers that offer stability, predictable wages, and hands-on roles tied to local industries. This alignment between youth intentions and employer needs is one of the most encouraging workforce indicators for the St. Cloud region.

The report also shows healthcare jobs are growing faster than many other fields, and the sector provides a wide array of entry points for new graduates.

To pursue those in-demand local jobs, young people are turning toward one- to two-year programs, stackable credentials, and short-term training options. The report says this preference aligns well with the St. Cloud region’s strong technical college infrastructure and employers’ willingness to invest in early-career workers.

Minnesota continues to face a workforce shortage, and central Minnesota is no exception. Retirements, industry expansion, and shifting economic needs have created openings across technical and trade fields. These career paths often offer quicker entry into the workforce and lower educational debt. Many young people in and around St. Cloud are showing greater interest in programs such as welding, machining, construction trades, automotive technology, and mechatronics, all sectors with strong demand and long-term career stability.

One emerging trend is that students in central Minnesota are increasingly interested in staying close to home after graduation. Data indicates 27% of those surveyed want to remain in the St. Cloud area, while another 32% are undecided. These new workers want jobs that offer decent starting wages, supportive environments, and opportunities to grow without relocating. Unlike their metro counterparts, central Minnesota youth are less focused on remote-only careers.

Click here to read the full report.

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