Commissioner Olson visits Monticello manufacturer, participates in roundtable highlighting Dual Training Grant success

10/19/2023

 

Monticello, Minn. — Minnesota Office of Higher Education Commissioner Dennis Olson joined Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) Commissioner Nicole Blissenbach in a roundtable discussion at Ultra Machining Company (UMC), a manufacturer in Monticello, Minn., on Oct. 4. 

The visit, coinciding with Minnesota's Manufacuring Month, was held for the commissioners and representatives from both agencies to hear about the company's use of the Dual Training Grant, Dual-Training Pipeline and Youth Skills Training programs. The roundtable allowed for discussion on how these programs have worked for UMC to meet its workforce needs, while hearing directly from employees who have first-hand dual training experiences.

These state-funded programs help employers build their own skilled workforce in seven high-growth industries, including advanced manufacturing. The Minnesota Dual-Training Pipeline supports employers in creating competency-based programs by pairing on-the-job training with formal related instruction. The Dual Training Grant funds the related instruction component, resulting in the employee earning an industry-recognized degree, certificate or credential.

Since 2015, OHE has awarded 378 Dual Training Grants to 147 Minnesota companies and organizations, serving over 3,400 dual trainees. Advanced manufacturing is one of the most prominent industries that receive Dual Training Grants, with over $6 million awarded to 77 grantees since the program's inception, assisting 1,700 Minnesotans to advance their manufacturing careers.

A seven-time recipient of the grant, UMC has found great success addressing their manufacturing workforce challenges working with the Dual-Training Pipeline. The company has utilized over $135,000 in grant funding to assist their employees in furthering their education, benefitting a total of 22 UMC dual trainees.

At the roundtable, several employees shared their positive experiences and career advancement that were made possible from the grant. 

UMC employee James DeSpiegelaere, a former underwater welder, graduated from Anoka Technical College with three certificates to benefit his role at UMC as a machinist. He emphasized the impact that the Dual Training Grant had on his career and life, making it financially possible for him to make a necessary career switch.

As his health and family life were deteriorating from the demands of underwater welding, DeSpeigelaere said the opportunity to earn higher education credentials at no cost, while working full-time at UMC, was instrumental in earning the career he has today. 

"The grant helped me significantly, making it possible for a grown man like myself to switch his career. It was a big financial blow to start over, but the grant covered all my tuition, tools, books, everything I needed. It took a huge financial load off and set me up for success, all while working full-time," said DeSpeigelaere. "This grant allows people who think they're 'stuck' in a career to start over and still be successful."

Now a five-year employee at UMC, DeSpiegelaere is appreciative of UMC investing in his future by providing opportunity through the dual-training model. 

"The grant helped me significantly, making it possible for a grown man like myself to switch his career. It was a big financial blow to start over, but the grant covered all my tuition, tools, books, everything I needed. It took a huge financial load off and set me up for success, all while working full-time," said DeSpeigelaere. "This grant allows people who think they're 'stuck' in a career to start over and still be successful."

Below is a group photo of UMC dual trainees who have advanced, or are working to advance, their careers by earning industry-recognized credentials with the assistance of the Dual Training Grant. From left to right, Mason Keskey (a current Monticello High School student participating in the Youth Skills Training program), Corbin Lozinski, Matt Saatzer, James DeSpiegelaere and Lisa Anderson.

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About the Dual Training Grant

The Dual Training Grant program is a funding source that generates collaborative and strategic educational solutions between employers and training providers across Minnesota. The dual-training model pairs on-the-job training with formal related instruction to create a robust learning environment, resulting in skilled employees and enhanced company culture. Grants reimburse employers for expenses related to instruction for their employees who are working toward attaining an industry-recognized degree, certificate or credential. 

Learn more about the Dual Training Grant on our website. Up to $5 million in grants are available for the upcoming grant round. Request for applications will be available in spring 2024.

About the Minnesota Dual-Training Pipeline

Minnesota Dual-Training Pipeline exists to support employers in creating or enhancing a competency based, earn-and-learn dual-training approach to meet their workforce needs. With Pipeline, workers receive a combination of related instruction paired with on-the-job training. Learn more about the Dual-Training Pipeline on the DLI website.