This is a guest blog submission from Dan Solomon of the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry.

The Minnesota Dual-Training Pipeline is an innovative approach to address current and future workforce needs. The program works with employers to change the conversation from “How do we find workers with the skills we need?” to “How do we GIVE workers the skills we need?”

Pipeline exists to support employers in creating or enhancing a competency based dual-training approach where workers receive a combination of related instruction strategically paired with on-the-job training. Dual-training grants through the Minnesota Office of Higher Education provide funding for employers to create new and expand existing dual-training initiatives.  Pipeline focuses on the four industries of advanced manufacturing, agriculture, health care services and information technology.  In the Mankato area, Pipeline is thrilled to most recently support workforce training efforts at Jones Metal, Dotson Iron Castings, V-Tek, Inc. and Mankato Clinic. 

Minnesota Dual-Training Pipeline is here for business and available to provide consultation with employers interested in setting up dual training any time throughout the year.  In addition, Pipeline hosts industry forums to bring business leaders together to share information and provide updates as well as hosts a speaker series with a variety of topics of interest to employers.  Pipeline also hosts 101 Webinars for those brand new to the program who would like to learn more.  The next Pipeline 101 webinar is on August 11 from 9am to 10am and you can sign up at the following link here:  https://www.dli.mn.gov/business/workforce/pipeline-events

To learn more about Minnesota Dual-Training Pipeline or to contact one of the Pipeline staff, visit https://www.dli.mn.gov/pipeline .