Minnesota issues job training grants to help 1,881 workers

The state of Minnesota has awarded $2.1 million in job training grants that will help 1,881 workers gain new skills, credentials and higher incomes, officials announced this week.

The grants were issued by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) under its Job Skills Partnership program.

The grants come in two forms. The first provides funding for customized training at educational institutions for workers already established at a Minnesota business. The other provides training for low-income workers so they can gain the job skills wanted by growing industries, obtain better paying jobs and become more financially self-sufficient.
Lt. Governor Tina Smith noted that "This year, the program will help Minnesotans train for jobs in the building trades, advanced manufacturing and health care. Investments like these are critical to building an economy that works for all Minnesotans, everywhere in Minnesota."

DEED Commissioner Shawntera Hardy said the beneficiaries of the new grants join thousands of Minnesotans who have received training under the Minnesota Job Skills Partnership program. It "has seen tremendous success in preparing Minnesotans for jobs of the future," she said.

The Partnership Program grants announced this week will go to:

Riverland Community College, Innovance - $6,288 grant
Provides a customized industrial painting course for 12 painters and general laborers.
Local Contact: Laura Helle, Riverland Community College, 507-433-0664

Minnesota State University-Mankato, Precision Gasket Co. - $49,959
Will teach 49 employees new industry standards so firm can expand into the aerospace market.
Local Contact: Louise Dickmeyer, Minnesota State University-Mankato, 507-389-3283
Minnesota State University-Mankato, Hennepin County Medical Center - $49,407
Will develop a training initiative for 140 Hennepin County Medical Center registered nurses and managers working with families in acute care scenarios.
Local Contact: Louise Dickmeyer, Minnesota State University-Mankato, 507-389-3283

Century College, Advanced Molding Technologies - $49,585
Will train 145 employees and 35 new hires in press manufacturing processes.
Local Contact: Mary Nienaber, Century College, 651-779-3235

Sabathani Community Center - $84,668
Will train 360 residents in the fields of cash, warehouse and facilities management.
Local Contact: Cindy Booker, Sabathani Community Center, 612-252-2409

Greater Bemidji-Minnesota Innovation Institute - $199,890
Will train 46 people in certified programs for CNC machine operation, mechatronics and machine repair.
Local Contact: Dave Hengel, Greater Bemidji-Minnesota Innovation Center, 218-444-5757

Goodwill-Easter Seals Minnesota - $27,869
Will train 15 low-income people from St. Cloud/Waite Park in eight week banking and customer service progam.
Local Contact: Sheila Olson, Goodwill-Easter Seals Minnesota, 651-379-5864

Summit Academy OIC - $200,000
Will train 160 people in construction or health care programs and offer 20-week course entitled Working for Business Success.
Local Contact: Louis J. King, II, Summit Academy OIC, 612-278-5234

CLUES - $52,820
Train 24 Latino residents in certified retail-customer-service program.
Local Contact: Yvonne Lerew, CLUES, 651-379-4212

Neighborhood House, RESOURCE Inc. - $185,350
Teach 64 low-income people the technical skills to obtain support jobs in medical or accounting offices.
Local Contact: Kara Schommer, Neighborhood House, 651-789-2526

American Indian OIC, Takoda Institute of Higher Education - $188,980
Train 85 participants in: digital marketing, health information, IT service or project management.
Local Contact: Katie Fitzpatrick, American Indian OIC, 612-341-3358, ext. 128

International Institute of Minnesota - $200,000
Train 60 students as nursing assistants and 30 others looking to upgrade to RN or LPN certifications.
Local Contact: Jane Graupman, International Institute of Minnesota, 651-647-0191, ext. 312

Project for Pride in Living - $196,823
Will train 110 for careers in health care or banking.
Local Contact: May Xiong, Project for Pride in Living, 612-455-5309

Ramsey County Workforce Solutions, Century College - $188,980
Train 100 people for careers in mechatronics, soldering, control panel assembly and manufacturing.
Local Contact: Nerita Hughes, Ramsey County Workforce Solutions, 651-770-4484