State Grants Help Local Businesses Through Dual Training Program

(KNSI) – Local businesses are sharing in millions of dollars from the Minnesota Office of Higher Education’s Dual Training Grant to support employee training.

CentraCare was awarded $150,000 to support the training of 28 employees, and Two Rivers Enterprises of Holdingford received $58,300 to support the training of 10 employees. TRE provides custom commercial stainless steel for a variety of industries. UMC in Monticello got $66,000 to support the training of 10 employees. UMC creates machined parts for medical, aerospace, commercial, energy, and industrial markets.

Grant funds can be used to cover the costs of tuition, fees, and required course materials for dual trainees.

“Dual Training Grants play a critical role in supporting our state’s economy,” OHE Commissioner Dennis Olson said. “Employees can earn a paycheck while pursuing additional education, while employers are able to hire for hard-to-fill positions. This innovative approach highlights one of the many different pathways Minnesotans can choose when pursuing a career after high school.”

According to a press release, the OHE’s Dual Training Grant program partners with the Minnesota Dual-Training Pipeline at the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry to help employers meet their workforce needs by creating earn-and-learn programs for employees. Employers collaborate with training providers and contribute substantially to career advancement and development of their employees by providing them with on-the-job training and supporting their postsecondary education.

“These grants are a significant investment in Minnesota’s workforce, combining employment with structured, on-the-job training and technical instruction,” said Nicole Blissenbach, DLI commissioner. “This successful approach equips individuals with the necessary skills for a fulfilling career and provides employers with a highly capable and sustainable talent pipeline.”

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