Six Central Minnesota Companies Get Funds to Train, Educate Workers

(KNSI) – A half dozen companies in central Minnesota will get part of more than $3.3 million to help pay for on-the-job training and support workers’ postsecondary education.

The CentraCare Health System, the Whitney Senior Center, DeZURIK Inc. in Sartell, Two Rivers Enterprises – Holdingford, UMC in Monticello and Alliance Machine in Elk River have all been selected to receive funds.

The money comes from the Minnesota Office of Higher Education for dual training programs. The funding will help 56 employers provide educational resources and career pathways to 644 current and new employees.

Officials say the grant applications for this year’s funding were the most competitive, with nearly $4.5 million requested. Over $1.1 million in requests from 20 employers were left unfunded.

Employers collaborate with training providers, and the funds can cover the cost of dual trainees’ tuition, fees and required materials for training.

The companies getting the grants are in advanced manufacturing, agriculture, health care services and information technology.

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