Goal is to develop employees for future careers in advanced manufacturing, agriculture, health care service or information technology industries
Employers can now apply for grants to help create or expand dual-training programs in advanced manufacturing, agriculture, health care service or information technology industries.
Dual-training programs provide structured on-the-job training and related technical instruction so employees can develop the necessary occupational competencies to succeed in their chosen career. These competencies are established by each industry. Currently, there are 14 occupations eligible for dual-training grants.
"Minnesota businesses are looking for skilled workers and Minnesotans are looking for the training they need to fill those jobs. These grants will help achieve both," said Lt. Governor Tina Smith. "Through apprenticeships, training and post-secondary learning, these grants will help connect workers with the skills they need and connect employers with the skilled workers they need to grow their businesses."
The grants are part of the Minnesota PIPELINE Project, which was established by the Minnesota Legislature in 2014 to expand dual-training and apprenticeship programs.
"By combining on-the-job training with classroom learning, the PIPELINE Project helps employers develop their workforce," said Ken Peterson, Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) commissioner. "Apprenticeships, using dual-training, have been successful in the United States and Europe for centuries and we are excited to support them in Minnesota with these grants."
The Office of Higher Education (OHE) will administer the dual-training grants, in collaboration with DLI. Employers can use these grants toward the cost of providing dual-training-related instruction through partnerships with education and training providers.
"The 'earn while you learn' model of the dual-training grant program will allow students to gain valuable work experience while they earn postsecondary credit," said Larry Pogemiller, OHE commissioner. "The grants will also strengthen the work being done by higher education institutions to align with changing workforce needs."
How to apply for a dual-training grant
The application includes information about the employees or students receiving the training and an agreement with the training provider outlining the program or courses in which the trainee will be enrolled. The maximum total grant application is $150,000. The maximum grant award for each employee participating in dual training is $6,000. Grants will be awarded in January 2016 and will be balanced between metro and greater Minnesota needs for each of the four industries.
Technical assistance will be available to assist employers interested in applying for PIPELINE dual-training grants. For more information, send an email message to
pipeline.project@state.mn.us.
