Southeast Minnesota is a health care and agricultural powerhouse. The region is home to the renowned Mayo Clinic and some of the world's most recognized food companies and brands.
Advanced manufacturing is especially strong here, with machinery, chemicals, and electronics among the top products.
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8/20/2024 3:29:16 PM
Amanda O'Connell
Southeast Minnesota offers numerous resources for professional development, ranging from free community programs to specialized paid training that caters to diverse learning needs and career goals. These opportunities help individuals improve skills, advance in their current roles or prepare for career changes. This blog explores the range of accessible learning resources in the region.
Minnesota's official career resource, CareerForce, assists individuals statewide with job searches and career exploration. It provides support for employment preparation and job placement. CareerForce offices throughout the region offer in-person and virtual services and workshops on interview skills, resume writing, and career planning. Visit the CareerForce website to find upcoming workshops, appointments and events in your area.
Workforce Development Inc. (WDI) is a private nonprofit with 10 offices in Southeast Minnesota and is part of the statewide CareerForce system. WDI helps individuals overcome employment barriers and supports community workforce development. WDI offers various resources, including free training programs for eligible participants. Notable training programs include Trades Readiness Training and Forklift Training.
Local community colleges and universities in Southeast Minnesota offer diverse learning opportunities. These range from short-term certificate programs to longer educational paths, including associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. These institutions provide various options for skill development and career preparation. Here's a quick list of postsecondary institutions in the region:
The Southeastern Libraries Cooperating (SELCO) is a regional system of 35 libraries across 11 counties. Libraries offer various resources including books, magazines and papers for users to develop knowledge and skills. Librarians can assist patrons in accessing these resources.
Rochester Public Library provides free access to LinkedIn Learning, an online educational platform. This service offers thousands of courses covering soft skills such as communication, leadership and teamwork. It also includes technical skills like programming languages, Microsoft Office software and graphic design programs. Patrons with a Rochester Public Library card can use LinkedIn Learning at no cost.
In addition, CareerForce Corners are located within seven libraries in the region.
Organizations sometimes offer free or paid training programs to attract and retain talent. For example, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science provides a free Phlebotomy Technician Certificate Program through their Workforce Development Scholarship. In the construction industry, All Craft Exteriors in Rochester runs "All Craft University," a paid 6-week program teaching skills and knowledge for trades. These initiatives aim to prepare individuals for specific roles within their organizations. Job seekers can research local companies to discover potential training opportunities that may help them gain valuable skills and experience.
Local Community Education Programs, typically run by public schools, offer a variety of skill-building courses. These include English proficiency classes, citizenship preparation, GED preparation, basic literacy skills and computer literacy. Additionally, they provide enrichment classes relevant to skill development. Examples include "Practical ChatGPT Training for Everyone" at Winona Area Public Schools, "Social Media Marketing Masterclass" at Austin Public Schools, and language courses like German or American Sign Language through Rochester Community Education. These programs help individuals enhance their knowledge and skills for personal and professional growth.
Southeast Minnesota offers a wealth of resources for professional development and skill enhancement. From community colleges and libraries to specialized training programs and community education classes, individuals have access to a wide range of learning opportunities. These resources cater to various needs, whether someone is looking to advance in their current career, prepare for a job change, or simply expand their knowledge. By taking advantage of these diverse offerings, people can continually grow their skills and stay competitive in today's ever-changing job market.
Contact Amanda O'Connell, Labor Market Analyst, at amanda.oconnell@state.mn.us.
