Grantee/Educational Provider

The three participating educational providers make up one of four Centers of Excellence, the Center for Strategic Information Technology & Security. This project is designed to enhance the skills of the information technology incumbent workforce in the area of Internet Protocol (IP)Telephony. A total of 110 trainees from eight participating businesses will receive education and training needed to help the businesses stay ahead of the competitive curve in this emerging technology. The curriculum includes courses developed through a previous MJSP grant and the Pre-Development grant awarded to Inver Hills in June 2005. Through this project, the Center will be on the leading edge as a provider of this type of training and will be positioned to meet the training needs of businesses as the expected demand for this technology peaks in 2008-2010.

Local Contact: Dave Anderson, Dean, Customized Training, Inver Hills CC, 651-450-8655.
 

This partnership between MN Teamsters Service Bureau and Dakota County Technical College will address a critical shortage of truck drivers due to mass retirements and an unprecedented growth in the volume of shipments. Dakota County Technical College will deliver the training and testing to a total of 159 individuals, selected from the businesses or recruited through community linkages. The CDL training will be customized specifically for each business, develop a model for advancing individuals already in transportation, and attract new workers to truck driving careers. Retention services will ensure that new drivers remain in their positions. This project will help the business partners meet their existing deficit for new drivers and provide job advancement and increased wages for employees. It will also be used as a layoff diversion for SuperValu warehouse workers who will be re-trained as CDL drivers.

Local Contact: Jean Dunn, Executive Director, MN Teamsters Service Bureau, 612-676-3733.
 

Deli Express, a major Minnesota manufacturer of “ready to eat” packaged foods, currently employs 825 individuals at their Eden Prairie facility and expects to increase their workforce to 940 by 2007. Of the 280 incumbent production workers, 85% have limited or non-English speaking skills. Pine Technical College and Deli Express are partnering to develop and provide training that will address production problems that have threatened profitability. A total of 571 employees will receive training in functional workplace English, cross-cultural understanding and retention management. Two Virtual Reality training simulators will be developed for training in Functional Workplace English and Virtual store that can be adapted to meet the growing needs of employers in a variety of industries. Training will provide workers with enhanced employability and promote job retention and progression.

Local Contact: Jason Spaeth, Director, Customized & Continuing Education, Pine TC, 800-521-7463.
 

Pine Technical College/Northwest Technical College

Reviva, located in Fridley, MN is one of the largest independent re-manufacturers of diesel and gas engines in North America today. Although revenue has increased over the past 10 years, profits have declined. This project joins two educational institutions - Pine Technical College and Northwest Technical College-Bemidji - with the Center of Excellence for Manufacturing & Applied Engineering to provide that will help Reviva increase revenue and gain profitability. Training will be offered to 172 Reviva employees in areas that have been identified as their leading production-related problem areas. Through this collaboration, each school will gain technical expertise by sharing valuable resources, which includes the development of a new Torque Training Simulation System, expanded capacity in precision machining and the development of a new ASE Certification Program.

Local Contact: Jason Spaeth, Director, Customized & Continuing Education, Pine TC, 800-521-7463.
 

Viracon, located in Owatonna, MN, manufactures architectural glass. Their workforce of 1,680 includes a high percentage of minority workers (Latinos) in lower labor positions. To help ensure a reliable labor supply and strengthen its position in the increasingly competitive labor markets, Viracon and Riverland Community College will partner to develop a “Employer of Opportunity” program. The program will help 200 Viracon employees acquire language, academic and technical skills allowing for up-grades in positions. It is also expected to result in a model for use with other businesses with minority workers.

Local Contact: Kari Lenort, Business Consultant, Riverland Community College, 507-379-3300.

This project will assist two rural manufacturing businesses to increase the skills of their Latino workforce. Dee Inc., Crookston, MN, is a manufacturer of aluminum alloy and permanent mold castings. TEAM Industries, with plants in Audubon and Detroit Lakes, manufactures power train solutions for all-terrain vehicles. Each company estimates the need for at least 50 more skilled workers over the next two years. Teamworks will provide training to 65 employees (40 new hires) that will increase their CNC technical proficiency and ESL skills. Language Solutions, a Northfield, MN based company, will help develop a manufacturing Vocational ESL (English-as-a Second Language) computer based program that will integrate traditional training methods with interactive voice recognition software.

Local Contact: Kathy Carney, CEO, Teamworks, 218-732-3622.

In October 2005, this partnership received an MJSP Pre-Development grant with six Minnesota businesses to pilot applied research for Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC) Production Technician Credentialing System. This project will allow for continued development and integration of the Production Technician Certification throughout the MnSCU system. A total of 140 employees from the participating businesses will complete training to gain certification that will make them marketable to other businesses, and help them move up the career ladder. This initiative will expand the pool of skilled workers and help alleviate the growing skills gap faced by many manufacturers.

Local Contact: Jim Retka, Mfg. Specialist, Northland CTC, 218-683-7055.

Grantee

Teamworks is a non-profit agency that provides low-income, low-skilled individuals the opportunity to access sustainable jobs with benefits. According to DEED’s Labor Market Information, in Northern Minnesota, employment for CNC Machine Operators is expected to grow significantly faster than average through 2012. Through the MJSP grant, Teamworks will assess and train 115 low-income individuals to be CNC Machine Operators. Trainees will be recruited from the Red Lake, White Earth and Leech Lake reservations as well as other rural Minnesota areas. Teamworks will use their CNC Mobile Lab to reach rural areas that do not offer this training.

Local Contact: Kathy Carney, CEO, Teamworks, 218-732-3622.
 

South Central College, Faribault Adult Basic Education

Northfield Community Action Center, a private, non-profit agency, and So. Central College in Faribault, are collaborating in facilitating a training program that will provide 33 eligible low-income workers skills in blueprint reading and production welding processes. A Spanish interpreter will make the training accessible to Latino workers with limited English proficiency. Trainees will gain marketable skills that are very much in demand in the south central and southeastern regions of Minnesota in a variety of manufacturing industries.

Local Contact: Jim Blaha, Executive Director, Northfield Community Action Center, 507-664-3552.
 

This project will help the healthcare industries meet their current staffing needs by targeting clerical healthcare support occupations. Lifetrack Resources will identify, pre-screen and prepare 105 training-ready individuals for the 40-hour customized Customer Service training by Dakota Co. Technical College. Placement assistance will be provided to help graduates secure employment in the healthcare field, i.e., general office clerks, receptionists, information clerks and customer service representatives.

Local Contact: Sharon LaComb, Vice President, Dakota Co. Technical College, 651-423-8293.
 

There is a significant pool of unemployed and underemployed individuals in the Twin Cities, the result of a mismatch between worker skills and available jobs. Through a MJSP grant, Employment Action Center and Minnesota Resource Center will collaborate to provide training to 56 low-income individuals with barriers to employment. Training will be offered in one of four occupational areas – healthcare, warehouse, maintenance, and office specialist – that will prepare trainees for immediate employment as well as support their future career advancement and self-sufficiency. This project will contribute to the state’s economy by providing qualified workers to fill ongoing industry needs.

Local Contact: Kim Feller, Director, Minnesota Resource Center, 612-752-8102.
 

MN State College-SE Technical, Rochester Community & Technical College, Riverland Community College, Winona State College

Long-term care facilities are experiencing a severe shortage of skilled “frontline” caregivers (nursing assistants, home health aides). Workforce Development, Inc., located in Rochester, MN is a private non-profit agency with a long history of serving the needs of low-income individuals. Participating Workforce Centers (Rochester, Albert Lea, Austin, Winona and Red Wing) will use a selection process to identify individuals who demonstrate the interest and ability to succeed as a CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant). CNA coursework offered through the participating schools will prepare 210 individuals for the State Nursing Assistant Competency Evaluation, which is necessary for employment as a CNA in long-term care facilities.

Local Contact: Becky Thofson, Projects Coordinator, Workforce Development, Inc., 507-379-3409.

HIRED, Normandale Community College

This project will address recruitment and retention problems in a fast growing industry – leisure and hospitality. Through HIRED’s two-component Hospitality Training project, 120 individuals will be trained for full-time entry level positions that include front desk receptionist, hotel reservation clerk and maintenance worker. After successful completion of the classroom component, students work in a 90-day paid position at a partnering hotel leading to Hospitality Skills Certification. On-site job coaching over the 90-day period ensures job retention.

Local Contact: Jane Samargia, Executive Director, HIRED, 612-287-1361.

A partnership between Rural MN CEP and Central Lakes College will provide training to 24 unemployed/underemployed individuals for health and manufacturing occupations in Central Minnesota, both which are experiencing labor shortages. The four-phased project includes assessment, training, on-the-job follow-up and career ladder counseling. Individual coursework will vary, depending on the training and skills needed to enter or advance in a chosen field of employment. Health-related courses include Home Health Aide, Registered Nursing Assistant and Medical Coding & Billing. Manufacturing-related courses include Welding, Manufacturing Math/Geometric Tolerancing and Blueprint Reading.

Local Contact: Rebecca Best, Associate VP of Academic Affairs, Central Lakes College, 218-855-8143.

Southwest MN Private Industry Council

SW MN PIC provides employment and training services for a 14-county area of southwest Minnesota. The Healthcare Career Preparatory Academy was started two years ago to bridge skills gaps of non-native English speaking individuals desiring to enter the healthcare industry by including a work-based English language skills training component. The ELL/CNA (English Language Learner/Certified Nursing Assistant) course will prepare 128 individuals to take the MN State Nursing Exam and obtain employment as Nursing Assistants. Participating education institutions include: MN West Community & Technical College, SW Adult Basic Education (ABE), St. Cloud Technical College, ROCORI Community Education, Sauk Rapids/Rice ABE, Melrose Community Education, Ridgewater College, Willmar ABE, South Central College, and Faribault ABE. This project will increase the diversity of our rural Minnesota healthcare workforce and help the participants improve their economic status and will be used in other parts of the state that are experiencing increased diversity and healthcare worker shortages.

Local Contact: Juanita Lauritsen, Executive Director, SW MN PIC, 507-537-6987.
 

AEOA and Minnesota Resource Center are partnering to provide a 100-hour Office Works Training encompassing computer skill building and training in workplace basic, including time management, customer service and skills with workplace interactions. Intense instructor support and a simulated work environment will provide “real life” experience for 40 participants. Upon completion of this training, students may choose to move into placement or take an optional 36 hours of specialized skills training in Accounting or Healthcare Principles.

Local Contact: Harlan Tardy, Executive Director, AEOA, 218-749-2912.
 

IIMN, St. Paul College, Century College, College of St. Catherine, Hennepin Technical College, No. Hennepin Community College

This project will address the extreme shortages facing the healthcare industry. The International Institute of MN, based in St. Paul, assists new Americans in transition through an integrated program that includes education and employment training and cross-cultural services. Through a MJSP grant, the Institute’s nationally recognized Medical Careers Project will prepare 70 individuals for entry and professional level positions in the medical field through a three-phase career ladder project. Their screening and assessment process combined with intensive one-to-one career counseling and placement assistance ensures student’s success in positions that include Nursing Assistants, LPNs, Registered Nurses and Lab Technicians.

Local Contact: Michael Donahue, Nursing Asst. Training Coordinator, IIMN, 651-647-0191, ext. 318.
 

Pillsbury United Communities (PUC), located in Minneapolis has operated a Property Maintenance training program since 2004. Through MJSP funds, 45 individuals will participate in the program leading to full-time employment within the growing field of property maintenance. Classroom training provided by MN Multi-Housing Association will be combined with on-site training at participating property management companies. Successful graduates will be considered for permanent positions as Property Maintenance Technicians at the companies where they performed their on-site training.

Local Contact: Dawn Williams, Director, Employment Services, 612-529-9267, ext. 3034.
 

Anoka Co. Job Training Center is partnering with Anoka Technical College and Anoka-Ramsey Community College to create a training program that will lead to a new job classification in residential care settings known as a Universal Healthcare Worker for Older Adults. This pro-active project addresses the growing need for healthcare services for older adults, a population that will increase with the aging “baby boomer” generation. Through a MJSP grant, 90 individuals will receive training that combines core Certified Nursing Assistant (CNS) and Home Health Aide (HHA) skills with a broader range of health care knowledge and skills. This new job classification will improve care to residents, create cost efficiencies and create avenues for current as well as prospective workers in the industry.

Local Contact: Jerry Vitzthum, Director, Anoka Co. Job Training Center, 763-783-4801.
 

The training provided through a partnership between Anoka Co. Job Training Center and Anoka-Ramsey Community College will address the need for trained assembly workers in the medical device manufacturing industry. The Stepping Up: Medical Device Assembly and Manufacturing Certificate will support business needs by offering training for entry-level assembly and manufacturing positions. MJSP funds will support 72 participants who will acquire a broad range of knowledge and skills that will qualify them for good paying jobs with advancement opportunities. Job Fairs hosted by Workforce Center partners will assist project graduates in their search for employment and several area businesses have also indicated interest in hiring graduates.

Local Contact: Jerry Vitzthum, Director, Anoka Co. Job Training Center, 763-783-4801.
 

MJSP funds will support the training of 40 low-income individuals through a new Bank Reconciliation training program. The six week course will prepare them for employment with US Bank and other organizations within the financial industry. In addition to training, Goodwill/Easter Seals will provide placement assistance, ongoing support and career advancement services.

Local Contact: Kelly Matter, Vice Pres. of Program Services, Goodwill/Easter Seals MN, 651-379-5871.
 

Project for Pride in Living (PPL), located in Minneapolis, helps low-income individuals develop the tools they need to achieve self-sufficiency. Their clients include a high number of Somali immigrants with multiple barriers to employment. PPL’s Health Care Employment Programs offer entry-level and career laddering opportunities a field experiencing rapid growth. MJSP funds will be used to provide training to 110 individuals through PPL’s Medical Clerical Program that will qualify them for meaningful jobs in the health care sector. The program includes intensive coursework along with an on-the-job Train to Work component and ongoing access to support services.

Local Contact: Julie Brekke, Director of Fundraising and Communications, PPL, 612-455-5100.
 

Grantee/Educational Provider

Sunrise Fiberglass, located in Wyoming, MN, is a make-to-order job shop involved in the production of custom-molded fiberglass components and assemblies. Sunrise is partnering with Pine Technical College to develop and deliver training to their current workforce of 40 that will result in their certification as Composite Technicians. A virtual reality gaming application will be developed to assist in the coursework. This training will greatly enhance the capacity of Sunrise and Pine Technical College. Employees will gain marketable skills and earning potential as a result of this certification process.

Local Contact: Jason Spaeth, Director, Customized & Continuing Education, Pine Technical College, 800-521-7463.
 

Hay Dobbs is a Minneapolis-based company with 19 employees involved in architecture, urban design, planning and interior design. Hay Dobbs will partner with St. Paul College to identify, design and implement a performance management system that will align key competencies with company strategies. All 19 employees will be empowered, trained and cross-trained in a variety of areas to improve their productivity and effectiveness.

Local Contact: Joy Sommers, Customized Training Rep., St. Paul College, 651-846-1438.
 

Crest Healthcare Supply has built a solid business as a manufacturer, distributor and direct marketer of products for the healthcare industry. In order to remain competitive in their markets and improve their overall business performance, Crest needs to increase their capacities in key areas. A training program with St. Cloud State University will provide training opportunities that will lead to improved skill sets, competency, productivity and confidence for 74 employees. Employee training will facilitate the growth and success of one of the largest employers in the rural town of Dassel, MN.

Local Contact: Dr. Ben Baliga, Professor, St. Cloud State University, 320-308-3843.
 

Anoka-Ramsey Community College

NeoMetrics, located in Plymouth, MN, specializes in the manufacturing of wire-based products, including guidewires for the medical device industry. Their current workforce of 64 is expected to grow 10-25% by 2007. In order to maintain ISO compliance and increase productivity, all employees need to better understand the link between ISO and quality compliance. A partnership with Anoka-Ramsey Community College will provide needed training that includes three new certification programs: Comprehensive Certificate for Medical Device Quality Control & Regulatory Compliance, Certified Quality Engineer and Certified Mechanical Inspector. Training developed through this MJSP grant will result in increased capacity for NeoMetrics and Anoka-Ramsey Community College.

Local Contact: Jess Lee Niebuhr, Director, Continuing Education/Customized Training, Anoka-Ramsey Community College, 763-433-1225.
 

Minnesota State Community & Technical College

Lund Boat Co. is a manufacturer of aluminum fishing boats. Recently purchased by Brunswick Corporation, it is a major employer in New York Mills and the surrounding area. MJSP funds will be used to train all 259 employees to accomplish new production requirements. Working in partnership with Minnesota Technology, Inc. (MTI), Minnesota State Community and Technical College will deliver training in Lean manufacturing tools and techniques. Training will provide a new perspective for Lund employees who will learn how to recognize and eliminate waste in their daily processes.

Local Contact: Mary Ryan, Director of Client Services, 218-631-7869.

Riviera Cabinets, in Red Wing, MN, employs 52 individuals who are involved in the production of fine quality cabinetry on a national level. Based on feedback from their dealers, Riviera desires to add more value and make a strategic shift to semi-custom/custom cabinet making. This shift will require training that will show all 52 employees how to design and implement an integrated management system. The Riviera Integrated Management System (RIMS) is a three-way partnership between Riviera, MN State College-SE Technical (MSCST) and Alexandria Technical College (ACT). A distance-learning component will use video conferencing technology between the three partners. This will further develop the continuous improvement capacity of MSCST. The program will aid Riviera in the consolidation of their standard product lines and their pursuit of fulfilling the needs of the cabinet markets.

Local Contact: Diane Dingfelder, Director of College Advancement, MN State College-SE Technical, 1-800-372-8164.