14 New Projects Funded by the Minnesota Jobs Skills Partnership

St. Paul – The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) has awarded workforce development grants totaling nearly $3 million under the Minnesota Jobs Skills Partnership (MJSP), which works with businesses and educational institutions to train or retrain workers, expand work opportunities and keep high-quality jobs in the state.

“There is no greater investment in our economic future than by investing in Minnesota workers,” said Governor Tim Walz. “And that’s exactly what businesses working with the MJSP are doing—investing in our workers.”

“The MJSP grants are a critical step in addressing Minnesota’s labor shortage,” said DEED Commissioner Steve Grove. “These grants help workers develop the skills needed to grow in high-demand occupations and help Minnesota companies train workers to leverage new technologies.”

Businesses and educational institutions work together to secure MJSP funding for training their Minnesota workers. First, businesses meet with an accredited educational institution to explain their training needs and learn about their options. Then, after the two groups have agreed upon how to meet the business’s training needs, the educational institution contacts DEED to determine eligibility for a grant.

Since 2011, MJSP has awarded $67.6 million to train more than 79,000 workers and has leveraged $140 million in private funding.

The following grants were awarded in late October 2019:

MN State College Southeast, Ekblad Excavating - $49,996

Minnesota State College Southeast will partner with Ekblad to develop and deliver a training program for eight employees – two of them new – over a one-year period. The training will provide CDL Prep and training/refreshers for heavy equipment repair and operations.

Local Contact: Katie Hardyman, MN State College Southeast, 651-267-7706

Anoka Ramsey Community College, TT Electronics - $47,762

TT Electronics will partner with Anoka Ramsey Community College (ARCC) with assistance from Anoka Technical College (ATC) to customize training for 30 workers identified as having leadership potential across both production operations and operational support divisions. Each trainee will complete four courses on leadership and team building.

Local Contact: Jon Olson, Anoka Ramsey Community College, 763-433-1201

Summit Academy OIC, Design Ready Controls - $46,360

Summit Academy OIC and DRC will provide training for low-income workers of color in the metro area that will give them the skills needed for entry-level positions at DRC. Fifty individuals will receive training designed in cooperation with DRC, to make the trainees subject-matter experts in the construction/electrical field.

Local Contact: Steve Palmer, Summit Academy OIC, 612-278-5250

MN State College Southeast, RTP Company - $49,670

RTP Company will partner with MN State College Southeast to develop and implement a training program to advance the skills of six incumbent workers and two new hires. All eight trainees will complete 194 hours of training on-site at RTP.

Local Contact: Calli Ekblad, MN State College Southeast, 651-385-6320

Metropolitan State University, Infor, Inc - $49,350

This project is between Metro State University and Infor, Inc., in collaboration with The Software Guild, #YesWeCode, and the Science Museum of Minnesota to plan and develop a Data Engineering/Data Analytics curriculum. They will launch the eight-week book camp in 2020.

Local Contact: Kyle Swanson, Metropolitan State University, 651-793-1681

Hennepin Technical College, Wurth Adams - $179,001

In collaboration with Wurth Adams subject-matter experts, Hennepin Technical College (HTC) will create customized leadership training. A total of 55 employees will be selected for training based on their leadership positions, aptitude and desire to learn. Training will be conducted on-site over a three-year period.

Local Contact: Rich Kelly, Hennepin Technical College, 763-488-2728

St. Cloud State University, Microbiologics, Inc - $225,004

Microbiologics is expanding their facility in 2020 and will streamline their processes and procedures with a cohesive, company-wide training program. In collaboration with Microbiologics, St. Cloud State University (SCSU) will coordinate and provide customized training for 195 employees – 60 of them new – that is developed and delivered to fill gaps in knowledge and/or skills and provide the tools to remain competitive.

Local Contact: Tammy Anhalt-Warner, St. Cloud State University, 320-308-4252

St. Cloud State University, Essilor - $350,000

St. Cloud State University (SCSU) will partner with Essilor subject matter experts to customize a training program that will be delivered to 712 employees (80 new). Training will increase the knowledge and skills of Essilor’s employees resulting in increased job satisfaction, retention and opportunities for advancement.

Local Contact: Tammy Anhalt-Warner, St. Cloud State University, 320-308-4252

Advanced Minnesota/Hibbing Community College, ArcelorMittal Minorca - $398,903

In collaboration with Advanced Minnesota/Hibbing Community College, Minorca will be providing additional classroom training in the Maintenance Technician Trainee Program to supplement their previous program. All 355 employees will receive training based on the specifics of their job and responsibilities.

Local Contact: Mary Brandt, Advanced Minnesota, 218-262-6785

MN State College Southeast, Manufacturing Consortium: Benchmark Electronics, DCM Tech, Fastenal, The Watkins Co. & Watlow - $399,695

Each business will designate employees (32 total) who will receive the training with the potential to earn the Mechatronics certificate upon completion of all seven courses. Trainees will obtain advanced skills that are in high demand and easily transferable; some will obtain credentials leading to opportunities for promotion.

Local Contact: Calli Ekblad, MN State College Southeast, 651-385-6320

MN State University, Pro-Fabrication - $127,042

MSU, Mankato will work with Pro-Fab to develop training that will be delivered to all 66 employees. In addition to classroom training, participants will use the tools they learn on projects in their work areas, along with one-on-one coaching.

Local Contact: Thomas Norman, Minnesota state University, Mankato, 507-389-1443

South Central College, Sage Electrochromics - $391,256

Sage Electrochromics will partner with South Central College to develop training customized to both the glass industry and SG’s technology. Three hundred employees (20 new) will receive training over a two-year period.

Local Contact: Tanja Stading, South Central College, 507-389-7392

Anoka Ramsey Community College, US Distilled Products - $300,000

US Distilled Products (USDP) will work with Anoka-Ramsey Community College (ARCC) faculty and staff to ensure the curriculum aligns with USDP’s training needs in relation to product development and management, automation, customer service management and intentional corporate culture. All 270 employees will receive training.

Local Contact: Matthew Salo, ARRC, 763-422-6116

Anoka Ramsey Community College, Lexington Manufacturing - $300,000

In collaboration with Lexington Manufacturing’s project team, Anoka-Ramsey Community College (ARCC) will provide customized training to assist in creating a new “Lexington Way” of doing business. All 211 current employees will be trained based on specifics of the position. Training will be conducted on-site over a 24 month period.