Celebrating Manufacturing

Della Ludwig , DEED

"Turning Workforce Programs into Talent Pipelines"

Della Ludwig has served as a Workforce Strategy Consultant with the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) since the team was established almost 10 years ago. She brings more than 20 years of experience in human resources, benefits, and recruiting, with a strong focus on the manufacturing industry.

In her current role, she works to reduce barriers to employment, build career pathways, and strengthen sector partnerships across a 22-county region in Central and Southwest Minnesota, as well as statewide. Their team is dedicated to connecting key stakeholders with workforce resources and helping businesses develop strategic workforce solutions that promote economic equity and sustainable growth in a rapidly evolving environment.

Della serves on the board of the Central Minnesota Manufacturers Association and chairs the Program, Education, and Tour of Manufacturing committees. She also contributes to Minnesota’s Governor’s Workforce Development Board through the Drive for 5 initiative, which builds sector partnerships statewide to address workforce needs in high-demand, high-growth fields such as technology, the trades, caring professions, manufacturing, and education; careers that offer family-sustaining wages. Additionally, she is actively involved with her local Chamber of Commerce, where she supports the development of career pathways.

Della is a strategic collaborator who brings together businesses, schools, and community partners to strengthen career pathways for youth and job seekers. Her presentation will focus on advancing workforce initiatives such as MDE’s Youth Apprenticeship Program, DLI’s Youth Skills Training and Dual-Training Pipeline programs, and DEED’s training and grant opportunities, highlighting how these efforts create stronger talent pipelines and connect students and job seekers to in-demand careers.