Employment and Training Program
Minneapolis College Career Services has been selected by the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) to receive $390,000 for their Minnesota Forward Tech Training Competitive grant application. Funds will be utilized for the remainder of the State Fiscal Year 2023, and State Fiscal Year 2024.
The Career Services department will use the funds to collaborate with employer partners to develop an employment and training program to bolster the employability of racially diverse, low-income, and dislocated workers (including veterans) seeking a career in the information technology industry. Eligible participants will receive tuition support for a Google IT Certificate provided by Continuing Education and Workforce Development. The IT Google Certificate is a direct pathway for participants wanting to enroll in one of the accredited IT programs by receiving one academic credit through Credit for Prior Learning. In addition, students may receive tuition support for certificate and degree training based on DEED’s grant requirements.
“We are excited about this grant, as it will bring additional enrollment to the College, so individuals can obtain a technology credential,” said Julie Poyzer, Director of Career Services at Minneapolis College. "The employment opportunities in technology are constantly growing. Participants will be able to gain skills to be competitive for higher wage and higher growth employment opportunities in the technology industry.”
During the duration of the grant, the department will hire a full-time Career Navigator to provide career planning and employer connections. Services provided by the Career Navigator include resume and cover letter critiques, internship, and job search guidance, interviewing coaching, and referrals for interview clothing attire.
In addition, they will coordinate on-campus recruitment opportunities including job fairs and employer visits to ensure eligible technology students obtain employment within the technology industry. One-on-one meetings will be conducted by the Navigator to follow up on tuition support eligibility, along with customizing career planning and employment services.
Participants can also earn a career readiness badge to add to their overall resume portfolio through the employment and training program. The grant also provides additional wrap-around support services to ensure students complete their technology credential. The goal is to help 120 eligible program participants obtain a technology credential (IT Google Certificate or other technology training offerings) while placing more than 100 participants into IT work experience opportunities with employer partners.
“This grant will allow program participants to learn about the career readiness skills that employers are looking for in job candidates and gain a digital badge displaying a skill acquired,” said Sue Kraus, Assistant Director of Career Services Programming at Minneapolis College. “Having a technology certification or degree and a digital credential positively contributes to the student’s overall portfolio and enhances employability upon graduation.”