The Sector Partnership National Emergency Grant (SP NEG) is a federal grant for dislocated workers, among other grants that addresses the use of alternative training models to better serve Minnesotans facing unemployment and barriers to employment. The State applied for the SP NEG grant because it was a great opportunity to embark on an innovative way of viewing and implementing work—based training models. U.S. DOL awarded the State with $5,750,000 to serve over 1,000 dislocated workers. Trainings models such as on—the—job training, credentialed training, transitional jobs skills training, and incumbent worker training can be expensive and staff intensive which often times can be discouraging for WDAs, especially smaller WDAs to embark on. The SP NEG grant provides the opportunity to leverage funds with existing dislocated worker dollars to accomplish the goals that the governor and president have set to increase achievement and decrease the gap between those who face barriers to employment and those who do not. Minnesota has a strong economy, relatively low unemployment rate, and high education attainment. However, that does not apply to the entire population in the state. Not all Minnesotans benefit equally from the current robust economy. Meeting the needs of those individuals require funds, regional coordination, strong partnerships, and innovative and inclusive models that allow dislocated workers with various backgrounds and experiences to enter an industry that can provide a sustainable living. The SP NEG addresses the employer and job seeker need and bridges the gap between the two. The State used current Labor Market Information data to determine five sector—based occupations on which to focus: manufacturing, health care, transportation, IT, and agriculture. All expected outcomes in this project are guided by current federal law and regulations as well as supporting metrics related state statutes, policies and procedures. This Sector Partnership grant along with other programs and strategies exhibit the State’s commitment to cater to the needs of employers and participants.
MN Pathways to Prosperity (P2P) will support increased participation of enrollees in career pathway programming to strengthen development of increased career awareness, acquisition of basic skills education, participation in skills—training programs, and placement into positions in high growth, high demand industries capable of long—term employment at wages permitting family self—sufficiency.
The State directly appropriated funds for a Customized Training Pilot Program (CTPP) for the second time for three MN State Colleges and University System (MNSCU) institutions. The goal of the CTPP is develop and administer customized training programs in the skilled manufacturing industry that integrates academic instruction and job—related learning in the workplace.
