Mar. 15 - MJSP Grant Funds Training For ConAgra Employees

ST. PAUL – The state Department of Employment and Economic Development's Minnesota Job Skills Partnership Program (MJSP) announced a $383,181 grant to support training for 575 employees of ConAgra Foods, Inc.  located in Maple Grove, Hastings and Lakeville. The two-year training collaboration includes MJSP, ConAgra Foods and Dakota County Technical College (DCTC).

ConAgra Foods is organized into two businesses, consumer foods and commercial products. In Minnesota, the company processes grain, flour and animal feed in Hastings; packaging in Maple Grove; and cereal, granola bars and other food items in Lakeville.

ConAgra Foods and DCTC will collaborate to develop a for-credit manufacturing technician curriculum for machine mechanical and electrical technicians, production line workers and supervisors. Courses will include Mathematics for Mechanic/Electrician, DC and AC Electrical Theory, Mechanical Drives and Industrial Controls. Coaches from DCTC will work with ConAgra line leads and company trainers to help transfer knowledge and train production floor employees. 

"This grant will help ConAgra Foods strengthen the skills of its employees, making the company more competitive," said DEED Commissioner and MJSP Board Chair Dan McElroy. "In addition, DCTC will create a new industrial maintenance program." 

For more information on the grant, contact Larry Raddatz, director of manufacturing and railroad, Dakota County Technical College, 651-423-8276, or e-mail larry.raddatz@dctc.edu .   

The MJSP offers technical, financial and job training assistance to businesses, communities, educational institutions and workers. The board brings businesses with specific education needs together with educational institutions to design customized training programs. 

DEED is the state's principal economic development agency, promoting business recruitment, expansion and retention, workforce development, international trade and community development. For more details about the agency and our services, visit us at www.PositivelyMinnesota.com. Follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/PositivelyMN.

Upon request, the information in this news release is available in an alternative format such as Braille, large print, audiotape or computer disk.

Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development
Communications Office
Phone 651/259-7161 or 1-800-657-3858 ∙ TTY 1-800-657-3973
www.PositivelyMinnesota.com