Saint Paul College was founded in 1910 as a boys’ vocational high school. The first evening trade classes were held in the basement of Saint Paul Central High School. The college moved into its current facility in the Cathedral Hill neighborhood near downtown St. Paul in 1966.
Today, Saint Paul College offers 54 academic programs and 72 different certificates and degrees.
Malecha said workforce training in a few key areas is in very high demand these days.
“ Based on data we explore from DEED( The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development), Stratasight and other trusted local sources including Chambers of Commerce, we’ re seeing some real high need right now in health care as well as the trade and technical realms,” he said.
Among the healthcare jobs most in demand in 2026: nursing assistant, phlebotomy technician, sterile processing. In the trades and technical areas, welding, machining, automotive mechanics and diesel tech mechanics are most in demand.
“ Generally, most of our classes on average are going to be four-to-six weeks in length depending on what the course would be,” said Malecha, who added that for the healthcare courses offered, the college follows state or federal regulations, or looks for a national accreditor that can provide an industry credential stamp of approval.
“ Part of the reason that we see such a large and excellent partnership between all of our healthcare providers in the area is because they recognize that we want to make sure we are giving them the best prepared and trained students,” said Malecha.
According to Indeed. com, the average starting salary for a certified nursing assistant in Minnesota is $ 22.50 per hour. Phlebotomy technicians make an average of $ 23.34 per hour and sterile processors make between $ 19 and $ 26 per hour.
Welders make between $ 20 and $ 22 per hour early in their careers. Machinists make $ 23 per hour. Automotive technicians make a little more than $ 26 per hour to start, and diesel tech mechanics make around $ 25 per hour early in their careers.
“ The majority of the courses that we operate are intended to fine tune skills and practicality to get students entry level jobs that are high demand, high wage,” said Malecha.
Sample course offerings in Healthcare include:
• Nursing Assistant and Nursing Assistant State Testing
• Phlebotomy Technician
• Medication Aide
• First Aid / CPR
• Basic Lifesaving Skills( BLS)
• EKG Technician
• Sterile Processing
• Clinic Assistant
• Cosmetology and Esthetics CEU’ s
All classes have customizable options for employer partners.
Sample course offerings in the Trades include:
• Welding
• Advanced Manufacturing and Machining
• Forklift behind-the-wheel training
• Diesel Technician( basic skills)
• Electric Vehicle Training
• Construction and Blue Printing
• OSHA-10
• Water Utility Treatment Technology
All classes have customizable options for employer partners.
More information about Saint Paul College can be found on the school’ s website: Saintpaul. edu vhedc. com 25