Jan. 10 - New DEED Training Grant for Hiawatha Broadband Employees

ST. PAUL – The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) has awarded a $200,000 grant under its Minnesota Job Skills Partnership to train 140 workers at Hiawatha Broadband Communications (HBC).

HBC, located in Winona, provides telecommunications services to communities in the southeast region of Minnesota.

HBC employees will receive lean training, including lean tools and fundamentals, value stream mapping and Kaizan. More than 90 employees will be trained in fiber optics with access to a state-of-the-art equipment lab. Minnesota State College – Southeast Technical will partner with Riverland Community College to offer Power Limited Technician training for current employees to maintain licensure. PLT training will also be offered for new hires as preparation for the Minnesota State Electrical Board PLT exam.

“The training will help improve efficiency at Hiawatha Broadband Communications and contribute to the growth of the business,” said DEED Commissioner Mark Phillips. “In addition, the grant will allow the college to develop new fiber optics courses and lab to serve other communications businesses in the region.”

For more information on the grant, contact Calli Ekblad, Continuing Education and Workforce Training, Minnesota State College -- Southeast Technical, at 651-385-6320 or e-mail cekblad@southeastmn.edu.                                                      

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 can be made available in alternative formats by contacting the DEED Communications Office at 651-259-7161.

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
An equal opportunity employer and service provider.