Minnesota Job Skills Partnership Announces Sixteen New Training Projects
September 16, 2017
Statewide grants totaling $2.2 million awarded for worker retraining
ST. PAUL –The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) has awarded workforce development grants totaling $2.2 million under the Minnesota Job Skills Partnership (MJSP) to train 2,744 workers.
“Minnesota is forecasted to have a shortage of more than 100,000 workers by 2020. We can’t afford to leave Minnesotans unprepared for good job opportunities,” said Lt. Governor Tina Smith. “These grants will help train thousands of Minnesotans, in every corner of our state, for diverse opportunities, including manufacturing and health care.”
“Over 295,000 Minnesotans have received training funded by the Minnesota Job Skills Partnership program, which has seen tremendous success in preparing Minnesotans for careers of the future,” said DEED Commissioner Shawntera Hardy. “These training grants are used to upgrade employees’ skills and effectively make Minnesota businesses more competitive and desirable places to work.”
Under the program, educational institutions and businesses work together to secure MJSP funding. Businesses initially meet with an accredited educational institution to explain their training needs and to learn options. Once they agree on a plan, the educational institution contacts DEED to determine eligibility for a grant.