5/26/2022
St. Paul - Minnesota employers will benefit from $3.347 million in Dual Training Grants from the Minnesota Office of Higher Education to fund related instruction of dual-training programs. Of the funds awarded, $1.9 million was awarded to employers located in greater Minnesota.
The funding will help 56 employers located throughout Minnesota provide educational advancement and career pathways to a total of 644 current and new employees. Grant applications for this year’s funding was the most competitive round to date with nearly $4.5 million requested, leaving over $1.1 million in requests from 20 employers unfunded.
"These grants support economic growth throughout the state, empowering businesses and connecting Minnesotans to great careers," said Commissioner Dennis Olson, Minnesota Office of Higher Education. "I am thrilled to see employer interest in this funding grow every year. These businesses are critical partners in our work to provide an array of postsecondary options, and I hope we will be able to support all who are interested in future grant rounds."
The Dual Training Grant Program at the Minnesota Office of Higher Education partners with the Minnesota Dual-Training Pipeline Program 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 the development and career advancement of their employees by providing them with on-the-job training and supporting their postsecondary education. Grant funds can be used to cover the cost of dual trainees' tuition, fees and required materials for the related instruction training in program occupations.
Grants are available to employers who are in the following high-growth, in-demand industries: advanced manufacturing, agriculture, health care services and information technology. Of the 56 employers receiving a grant this year, 29 are in in advanced manufacturing, 23 are in health care services, two are in agriculture and two are in information technology
"We are excited to continue our support of employers and workers with this new round of grants," said Commissioner Roslyn Robertson, Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry. "As our economy moves forward, apprenticeships and dual training continue to be important training models that will help Minnesota employers recruit and retain employees."
For more information about Dual Training Grants contact Jacquelynn Mol Sletten, state financial aid administrator, at 651-355-0609 or jacquelynn.mol.sletten@state.mn.us
For more information about Minnesota Dual-Training Pipeline contact Dan Solomon, program manager, at 651-284-5355 or dan.solomon@state.mn.us
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