BLUE EARTH– Educating high school students about the job opportunities available to them in Faribault County has been the mission of Emily Davis in her position as Community Workforce coordinator.

Davis was at the Faribault County Commissioners meeting Tuesday morning to update the board on her job and the work she is doing.

“My position is currently being funded through two different grants and generous donations from CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security) Act Funds from boards such as yours,” Davis explained.

Davis proceeded to inform the board of some of the activities and opportunities being offered in the Blue Earth Area and United South Central School districts.

“COVID-19 made things a little difficult last year. We filmed 13 different business tours around the county to show to students at both districts,” Davis said. “We hosted virtual or in-person class presentations when able and met with area businesses to discuss the events we had planned for the upcoming school year. We also developed many episodes of a production we called ‘Pick Your Path Podcast.'”

She also shared with the board some of her goals for the current school year.

“We have organized and recruited professionals who will help conduct mock interviews on Nov. 3-4. We are also assisting students in connecting them with professionals for the purpose of job shadowing,” Davis commented. “We are working to begin offering CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) certification, as well as other health care classes to the students.”

Commissioner Bruce Anderson, who also serves on the board of St. Lukes Lutheran Care Center, expressed his gratitude for students being offered CNA certification.

“We need health care workers,” Anderson stated. “I appreciate how you are working with the students who might be interested in the health care field.”

In other business at the meeting:

• The County Board set 6 p.m., Dec. 21, as the time for the Truth in Taxation hearing. The hearing will follow the regular board meeting, which will begin at 3 p.m.