Minnesota Job Skills Partnership (MJSP) Program

MJSP Projects Funded - June 18, 2007

Grantee/Educational Provider(s)	Contributing Business	Amount	Program
Employment Action Center (EAC)	MN Resource Center & Hennepin Technical College	$118,626	Low Income Worker Training
Employment Action Center (EAC) operates 30 programs designed to increase the self-sufficiency of low-income individuals in the Twin Cities metro area. In a partnership with Minnesota Resource Center, 55 low-income individuals will be trained for immediate employment in one of four high demand occupational areas: Healthcare Office Support; Warehouse Operations; Maintenance/Custodial; and Welding/Metal Fabrication. Hennepin Technical College will partner with EAC to provide portions of the Welding course. Local Contact: Betsy McMillan, Director, Employment Action Center, 612-752-8815.
Grantee/Educational Provider(s)	Contributing Business	Amount	Program
Anoka County Job Training Center	Anoka-Ramsey Community College & Anoka Technical College	$200,000	Low Income Worker Training
This project is built upon the successful implementation of the “Steps to Success” project funded under an earlier MJSP Low Income Worker grant. The two colleges, in collaboration with area businesses, have developed training modules that are geared to the skill needs of area businesses. An Orientation and Assessment will aid in the selection of 84 trainees who will acquire marketable job skills through a three-module curriculum. Courses include: Business Computer Skills Training, Certificate in Microsoft Office, and Customer Service Specialist Training. Participating business partners that include CenterPoint Energy, US Bank and Wells Fargo, have defined pathways with built-in wage progression and opportunities for advancement. Local Contact: Jerry Vitzthum, Director, Anoka Co. JTC, 763-783-4801.
Grantee/Educational Provider(s)	Contributing Business	Amount	Program
Goodwill/Easter Seals Minnesota	Goodwill/Easter Seals Minnesota	$121,899	Low Income Worker Training
Through MJSP funding, Goodwill/Easter Seals, located in St. Paul will provide training to help 38 low-income individuals gain marketable job skills for placement into entry-level jobs. Several area businesses have expressed interest in the graduates from the following two programs offered by Goodwill/Easter Seals: Construction and Automotive. Individuals who successfully complete the training will receive job placement, retention, career advancement and other services and support. Local Contact: Kelly Matter, VP Program Services, G/ESM, 651-379-5871.
Grantee/Educational Provider(s)	Contributing Business	Amount	Program
Northwest Indian OIC	NW Indian OIC & NW Technical College	$198,040	Low Income Worker Training
For over 20 years the NW Indian OIC (of Bemidji) has successfully administered employment and training services to economically disadvantaged clients in rural northern Minnesota. MJSP funding will allow for the continuation of the Certified Nurses Assistant/Blended Worker Program that will provide training for 108 individuals. NW Indian OIC will provide training for Environmental Services Technician, Food Services Technician and Computer Literacy courses. Northwest Technical College will provide Certified Nurses Assistant training and administer the MN Dept. of Health License examination. Students will receive assistance in securing employment upon graduation. North Country Regional Hospital and North Country Health Services have committed to hiring graduates of the project. Local Contact: Mike Bongo, Executive Director, NW Indian OIC, 218-759-2022.
Grantee/Educational Provider(s)	Contributing Business	Amount	Program
HIRED	HIRED	$141,701	Low Income Worker Training
HIRED is a Minneapolis non-profit agency with a long history of providing employment and training services to disadvantaged and unemployed individuals. Through MJSP funding, HIRED will train 160 eligible low income individuals for a variety of entry-level computer and customer services jobs. Participants who successfully complete the program will earn a Customer Service Professional Certificate. Internships and transitional work opportunities will be incorporated for those participants with limited work histories and experience. Local Contact: Jane Samargia, Executive Director, HIRED, 612-287-1361.
Grantee/Educational Provider(s)	Contributing Business	Amount	Program
Summit Academy OIC	Summit Academy OIC, Dunwoody College of Technology, Veit Companies	$200,000	Low Income Worker Training
Summit Academy OIC has over 40 years of experience providing vocational training and placement services to residents in the North Minneapolis area. Their well established “100 Hard Hats” Construction Training program provides the opportunity for low income individuals to gain skills needed for entry level jobs in construction trades occupations. MJSP funding will be used to help students cover training costs not covered by financial aid. A total of 180 individuals will participate in the 20-week program in a chosen area – pre-apprentice carpentry, plumbing or electrical training, painting or heavy construction. Summit Academy’s minority hiring agreement with local construction companies involved in several major Minneapolis building projects will increase employment opportunities for program graduates. Local Contact: Louis K. King, II, President & CEO, Summit Academy OIC, 612-278-5234.
Grantee/Educational Provider(s)	Contributing Business	Amount	Program
African Assistance Program	First Step Training Center, Goodwill Easter Seals, Mpls. Community & Tech. College	$91,635	Low Income Worker Training
The African Assistance Program (AAP), located in Brooklyn Park, provides a variety of services that includes employment and training assistance to African immigrants and refugee families. Through MJSP funds, a total of 78 individuals will be assessed and placed in various employment initiatives. AAP will refer 60 participants to Nursing Assistant/Home Health Aide training provided by First Step Training Center. Six clients will be enrolled in the Community Health Worker training, and four clients will be enrolled in Central Services Technician (Medical Equipment Processor) course, both provided by Minneapolis Community and Technical College. Eight clients will receive Banking Skills training provided by Goodwill Easter Seals. Local Contact: John Tarley, Executive Director, African Assistance Program, 763-560-8995.
Grantee/Educational Provider(s)	Contributing Business	Amount	Program
Hibbing Community College	Hibbing Fabricators	$42,617	Partnership (Short form)
Hibbing Fabricators is a net exporter of precision manufactured products for the Aerospace, Medical and Telecommunications industries throughout the U.S. A partnership with Hibbing Community College will strengthen their workforce and maintain sales growth. Thirty-four employees will receive training in the following areas: welding training; Lean for all employees; shop skills; supervisory skills; Crystal Report writing for managers; and EPICOR software training. This project will result in new curriculum for Hibbing Community College and provide employees with skills that could lead to promotional opportunities. Local Contact: Mary Brandt, Customized Training Rep., Hibbing CC,, 218-262-6785.
Grantee/Educational Provider(s)	Contributing Business	Amount	Program
South Central College	Resource Recovery Technologies, LLC	$49,977	Partnership (Short form)
Resource Recovery Technologies (RRT), located in Bloomington, is involved in the recoverable fuels industry. In a partnership with South Central College (SCC), new curriculum and training videos will be developed to train 163 employees to help them better understand the operations and hazards associated with this industry. The curriculum will allow SCC to continue to build capacity in alternative energy and environmental safety training. Local Contact: Jason Stratman, Customized Training Rep., South Central College, 507-332-5816.
Grantee/Educational Provider(s)	Contributing Business	Amount	Program
Bemidji State University	Consortium of Caregivers (May Creek Lodge, Stille Havn Hus, Shingobee Island Lodge, Summit House, May Creek Cottages,)	$25,921	Partnership (Short form)
This partnership involves five Walker, MN businesses that provide assisted living, respite and adult foster care services to seniors and disabled residents. In collaboration with Bemidji State University, they will address critical needs in the area of employee orientation, training and retention. A total of 24 starting caregivers and resident assistants will be trained through customized curriculum that includes routine medical/nursing assigned procedures and hygiene. In addition, four registered nurses and 16 lead staff will receive training to help identify and implement business strategies that will enhance their competitive advantage and develop work practices to develop a high performance culture. Upon conclusion of this project, these organizations will have a manageable and sustainable process for ongoing training, assessment and retention of employees. Local Contact: Kerry Ross, Training Coordinator, Bemidji State University, 218-755-4900.
Grantee/Educational Provider(s)	Contributing Business	Amount	Program
Minnesota Technology, Inc.	Truth Hardware	$34,707	Partnership (Short form)
Truth Hardware, located in Owatonna, is a leading manufacturer for window hardware products. A partnership with Minnesota Technology, Inc. (MTI) will help them to better compete in a globally competitive market, by increasing their capacity in Lean management. By customizing and condensing ten of its stand along curriculum offerings, MTI will create a 70-hour course that will prepare 20 managers and supervisors to earn nationally recognized certification and provide 42 line workers with job-related Lean fundamentals training. Local Contact: Dean Smith, Grants & Contracts Manager, Minnesota Technology, 612-373-2902.
Grantee/Educational Provider(s)	Contributing Business	Amount	Program
MN State College - SE Technical	Hearth & Home Technologies	$334,628	Partnership
Hearth & Home Technologies (HHT), located in Lake City, is a nationally recognized leader in hearth products. Through MJSP funding, HHT and SE Tech will jointly develop a training project and resultant career pathway for 458 employees, which includes 32 new hires. Training Within Industry (TWI) will take Lean to the next level with curriculum that comprises Job Instruction, Job Methods Improvements and Job Relations. Work-specific language will be created for those employees who have limited English-speaking skills. The TWI content will also be woven into a new Associate degree in Manufacturing and Industrial Leadership, a first of its kind in Minnesota that will address the current and emerging needs of the manufacturing sector. Riverland Community College, Hennepin Technical College, and Metropolitan State University will also be involved in this project. Local Contact: Kyle Paulson, Custom Training Consultant, MN State College-SE Tech, 651-385-6308.
Grantee/Educational Provider(s)	Contributing Business	Amount	Program
Dakota Co. Technical College	Rollx Vans	$255,701	Partnership
Rollx Vans, located in Savage, is a leading manufacturer of conversion vans for physically challenged individuals. Dakota County Technical College (DCTC) will be partnering with James Madison University, VA, to certify their instructors who will then deliver the Certified Manager (CM) Program to a total of 136 employees. The training and professional development of Rollx employees will provide them with the skills required to achieve their strategic plans of increased growth and profitability, higher customer satisfaction and increased staffing. Local Contact: Scott Gunderson, Customized Training Coordinator, DCTC, 651-423-8295.
Grantee/Educational Provider(s)	Contributing Business	Amount	Program
Dakota Co. Technical College	Northwest Airlines	$263,945	Partnership
Northwest Airlines (NWA), based in Eagan, is the 5th largest legacy carrier in the U.S. As the company emerges from bankruptcy and faces an unprecedented turnover rate, management needs to strengthen their leadership abilities to prepare for new expectations and develop a better employee relations environment. The company expects to hire 150-200 new managers during 2007. Through MJSP funds, NWA will partner with DCTC to formally train 1,689 leads, supervisors and frontline managers. Training will ensure that front-line lead employees have a common framework, knowledge and skills to accomplish their management responsibilities. Local Contact: Christine Pigsley, Associate Dean of Business, DCTC, 651-423-8602.
Grantee/Educational Provider(s)	Contributing Business	Amount	Program
University of Minnesota	Paddock Laboratories, Inc.	$385,739	Partnership
Paddock Laboratories is a privately held, pharmaceutical company located in New Hope and involved in the areas of generic drug formulation, testing, manufacturing, production and sales, and marketing. In order to serve a wider market and increase the company’s revenues, Paddock is focusing on increasing the educational and skill level of 169 of their existing staff. A partnership with the University of Minnesota’s School of Pharmacy will develop curricula in four broad instructional areas: Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics, Good Laboratory Practice, Drug Manufacturer and Production, and Business Expansion. This project will develop the University’s capacity in the area of pharmaceuticals and the biomedical industry and position Paddock Laboratories for future growth. Local Contact: Brett Carlson, Sr. Grants & Contracts Administrator, U of M, 612-624-5599.
Grantee/Educational Provider(s)	Contributing Business	Amount	Program
Riverland Community College	McNeilus Trucking & Mfg. Co.	$340,884	Partnership
McNeilus Trucking & Mfg. (MTM) is an industry leader in the manufacturing of refuse trucks and cement trucks. The implementation of a new truck refurbishing operation in Dodge Center requires that staff be retrained to allow rotation to other areas within the organization. A total of 369 employees will receive training at MTM’s on-site training facility via instructors from Riverland, Pine Technical College, Winona University, Rochester CTC, SE Technical and South Central College. Courses such as Refuse Diagnostics, Virtual Painting, and Refurbishing Disassembly will develop transferable skills and provide for a stable workforce. The six higher education institutions will build capacity with the development of at least six new courses. Local Contact: Kari Busch, Business Development Spec., Riverland Comm. College, 507-379-3361
Grantee/Educational Provider(s)	Contributing Business	Amount	Program
Teamworks, Inc.	Lamb Weston/RDO	$183,986	Partnership
Lamb Weston/RDO is a major employer in Park Rapids involved in the production of frozen potato products. With their recent investment in technologically advanced machinery to improve production, the company is facing a skills gap among its maintenance department workers. Employee turnover, safety and workforce diversity also needs to be addressed. A partnership with Teamworks will incorporate Continuous Performance Systems, focusing on upgrading the skills of 160 Operators and Maintenance workers who will attend courses relevant to their positions. This project will help Lamb Weston/RDO to reduce costs, increase productivity, reduce safety incidents and improve product quality. Employees will gain durable skills that will allow them to move up the career ladder. Local Contact: Mick Christianson, CEO, Teamworks, 218-732-3622.
Grantee/Educational Provider(s)	Contributing Business	Amount	Program
Central Lakes College	Lexington Manufacturing	$57,966	Partnership
Lexington Manufacturing is a family owned and operated business in Brainerd that provides wood component solutions to Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). Recent ventures into new markets have prompted the purchase of a second facility, also in Brainerd which will require the hiring of 12 new employees. Lexington will partner with Central Lakes College to design and implement a Lean/Sigma program based on growth and key strategic goals. Normandale Community College will assist with the customization and facilitation of the program. A total of 74 employees will receive training in Lean strategies and tools to support the growth of the company, to increase efficiency and to increase innovation. Local Contact: Rebecca Best, Dean of Educational Services, Central Lakes College, 218-855-8143.
Grantee/Educational Provider(s)	Contributing Business	Amount	Program
Central Lakes College	Bang Printing	$272,861	Partnership
Bang Printing is a locally owned and operated printing and publishing company and one of Brainerd’s largest employers. They have recently received a JobZ authorization to build a new distribution center next their current site, which will result in 25 new jobs. Through MJSP funds, Central Lakes College, in collaboration with Northland Community and Technical College, will provide instruction to 215 Bang employees in the Hoshin Lean Process, benchmarking, and new printing and publishing techniques. South Central College will be a partner in this project to deliver technical courses in printing. As a result of this project, Central Lakes College will gain new curriculum related to the printing and publishing industry. Bang Printing will be one of the first companies to incorporate the Hoshin methodology which will bring them to the next level of efficiency. Local Contact: Rebecca Best, Dean of Educational Services, Central Lakes College, 218-855-8143.