Lake County Ambulance Service Included on the List
Over $5 million in Dual Training Grants will connect 958 employees in high-demand industries with new training and career pathways
[ST. PAUL, MN] June 10, 2024 – Governor Tim Walz announced the recipients of the 2024 Dual Training Grants awarded by the Minnesota Office of Higher Education (OHE). In total, $5.4 million was awarded to 84 Minnesota employers to fund dual training programs for 958 employees in high-demand industries. Grants are awarded to employers in advanced manufacturing, agriculture, health care services, information technology, child care, transportation, and legal cannabis industries.
“These career growth and training opportunities allow Minnesotans to get ahead in their careers while helping businesses recruit and retain talent. It’s a win-win,” said Governor Tim Walz. “As Minnesota sees an increase in high-demand, good-paying jobs, we’re investing in the economic future by ensuring the workforce is supported.”
“These grants are crucial for supporting our state’s workforce and reflect our commitment to building a strong economic future for Minnesota,” said Lieutenant Governor Flanagan. “This program will ensure businesses in high-demand industries can build their workforce while more workers gain access to different training and career pathways: it’s a win-win scenario.”
OHE’s Dual Training Grant program partners with the Minnesota Dual-Training Pipeline at the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) 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 career advancement and development 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.
Employers can apply for up to $15,000 (or 10% of the requested grant amount) for dual trainee support costs like transportation, tutoring, and translation.
“Dual Training Programs are one of the many pathways Minnesotans can choose when pursuing a career after high school,” OHE Commissioner Dennis Olson said. “I am thrilled we can support these employers, helping them train employees while filling jobs in high-need industries.”
“Through on-the-job training and classroom learning, Dual-Training Pipeline helps employees gain skills, credentials and advance their careers while also helping employers meet their workforce needs,” said Nicole Blissenbach, DLI commissioner. “We are excited to continue supporting Minnesota workers and employers through these grants and create more earn-and-learn dual training opportunities.”
Grants were awarded in the following industries:
26 grants were awarded in the Advanced Manufacturing industry
2 grants were awarded in the Agriculture industry
8 grants were awarded in the Child Care industry
42 grants were awarded in the Health Care Services industry
2 grants were awarded in the Information Technology industry
3 grants were awarded in the Transportation industry
1 grant was awarded in both the Agriculture and Child Care industries
Locally, grants were awarded to the following Minnesota employers:
Lake County Ambulance Service – Two Harbors
During the 2023 legislative session, an additional $1 million per year investment was made by the Legislature and Governor Tim Walz to establish a Dual Training Grant program for legal cannabis industry employers. An application for eligible legal cannabis employers is expected to open soon.
