Our partnership with Anoka County Job Training Center works to close Minnesota ’ s growing skills gap .
We are excited to announce that our partner , Anoka County Job Training Center , received a Pathways to Prosperity : Bridge to Career Pathways grant from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development . This funding will allow the Job Training Center to continue the great work our partnership has achieved in the Integrated Reentry and Occupational Cohorts ( IROC ) program and expand into two new career pathways : certified nursing assistant and commercial drivers license for displaced workers .
This grant is an opportunity to close the skills gap that affects everyone in our community , providing adult learners with the right skills to empower them economically and help businesses thrive . The goal is to create a prosperous and competitive Minnesota that attracts new businesses to our community .
Many adults seeking career-specific training also need to build their basic academic skills . This grant addresses both , by teaming up with us and technical instructors in the classroom . In our partnership , career seekers who do not have a high school diploma enter “ Jump Start Your Success ” which is a cohort class of 180 hours of customized GED instruction taught by Metro North ABE licensed teachers , combined with career and job search activities . Once participants complete the GED , they transition to the Career Exploration Workshop and then the Career Connections Workshop . Upon completion of the Career Connections Workshop , each participant will develop their career pathway road map . Each pathway training cohort will have an assigned career navigator who assists participants from the point of orientation , training , job placement , and retention . Additionally , those learners who self-report as disabled can use the specialized services of a disability resource coordinator to further assist with any accommodations , assistive technology , or general support and advocacy needed throughout their training and employment .
This is important work for our community . The career opportunities offered in this program are great for adult learners and fill a growing need in our economy . In this last quarter , nursing assistants were the 5th highest occupation in top-demand careers , and it is the top in-demand career for adults without a college degree that also has a wage above $ 15 an hour . It is a career that has a projected growth of 3.6 % over the next 10 years . Number nine on that list , with a larger growth rate over the next 10 years with a need for 43,441 job openings , is Heavy and tractortrailer truck drivers . This career offers a median salary of $ 51,248 a year and only requires a high school degree and a specialized driver ’ s license .
We can ’ t do everything at Metro North ABE , with our partners , we can fill the needs of our learners and our economy and create a greater workforce .
Policy Update
“ Providing adult learners with the right skills to empower them economically and help businesses thrive .”
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