Education-business partnership will result in thousands of hours of local workforce skills training

Due to legislation supported by Senator Carla Nelson [R-Rochester], the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) has awarded workforce development grants that will train 2,425 workers statewide. Awarded under the Minnesota Job Skills Partnership (MJSP), Rochester Community Technical College (RCTC) and local manufacturing company Crenlo are recipients of one of the grants.

“Congratulations to Crenlo and RCTC for their collaborative partnership that will result in thousands of hours of additional classroom training for thirty Crenlo employees,” said Senator Nelson, Chairwoman of the Senate Education Finance and Policy Committee. “I am proud to have supported the legislative appropriations that funded this partnership so that working Minnesotans can update their skills and employers can reduce workforce shortages. More of these hand in glove partnerships with local employers, employees, and higher education institutions are needed to address our growing workforce crisis.”

Crenlo manufactures operator cabs and roll-over protective structures, and produces server cabinets, enclosures, and consoles that protect sensitive electronic equipment. Thirty employees will receive 80 to 100 hours of classroom training in basic or advanced MIG welding incorporating troubleshooting skills. The training project will enable RCTC to update and reduce skills gaps in its welding curriculum.