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Winona WorkForce Center
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New Illegal Immigrants Regulation The Department of Homeland Security issued a regulation that went into effect in September which makes it harder for illegal immigrants to use phony Social Security numbers to get a job. Under the new rules, employers who are notified that an employee’s name and SSN do not match government records will have 90 days to resolve the discrepancy. If they can’t , they must fire the employee or risk legal liability. Companies who receive federal contracts must verify the employment eligibility of their workforce through a computer-based system. Also, civil fines for knowingly hiring illegal immigrants will be increased by 25%.
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New Interactive Web Tool Helps Employers Comply with Retirement Laws The U.S. Department of Labor has a new interactive Web tool, ERISA Fiduciary Advisor, to help employers comply with federal employee benefit laws. Related Links:
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Custom Training & Education at Southeast Technical College The Winter/Spring Course Catalog for Custom Training and Education at Southeast Technical College will be available at the beginning of January, 2008. The classes cover a variety of occupational areas including Health, Business, Safety, Computers, Trade & Industry, and Driver Training. Coursework is offered online, blended, home study and traditional classes. Seminars, classes, and certificates are available in Red Wing, Winona, Caledonia and Wabasha For more information, visit www.southeastmn.edu/custom training or call507-453-274
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Frequently Asked Tax Questions And AnswersThe Internal Revenue Service's general questions and answers section is updated to reflect the latest changes in tax regulations. These questions and answers come from taxpayers like you. Use the following electronic address to access the information. http://www.irs.gov/faqs/index.html
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Excellent Business Information Source The key to business success is having an "informed business strategy." The James J. Hill Library in St. Paul is a private business library that makes available a wealth of in-person and online information services and programs for business. A new feature of the online services includes its own blog. It is your source for useful tips and advice on how to find business information. Use the following URL: http://blog.hillsearch.org/index.cfm/JJHill-Library
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FirstStep Employment Law Advisor The FirstStep Employment Law Advisor is designed to help employers determine which laws administered by the Department of Labor (DOL) apply to their business or organization and to provide links to information about how to comply with these laws. Please note that the FirstStep Employment Law Advisor provides information about federal DOL requirements only. The system is intended as a guide and addresses only the laws most likely to apply to your business or organization but does not cover all employment laws administered by DOL. In addition, the system will not identify laws administered by other federal agencies that might be applicable to your business or organization. You may also want to contact your State Labor Office to obtain information about your state's requirements, or other federal agencies that enforce federal labor laws such as the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), and the National Mediation Board (NMB).
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Childcare Funds Available for employees! Due to increased funding, Basic Sliding Fee childcare funds are available for Winona County residents. Persons must meet the low income guidelines. For more information or an application, contact: Winona County Dept. of Human Services, 202 West Third Street. Winona, 507-457-6200 Applications are also available at the Workforce Center. Ask at the front desk.
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Governors Join with Computing Giants
to Spread Green Computing WASHINGTON, D.C., Nov. 8, 2007
-- The National Governors Association announced a new partnership with the
Climate Savers Computing Initiative that aims to bring ever more
energy-efficient computers to state offices and agencies. group, which was founded by
Google and Intel in June 2007 and now includes dozens of the world's
largest computer and technology companies. This new program has set as a preliminary goal a 50 percent reduction of the energy used by state-owned computers in the next four years through three steps:
The commitment was first signed by Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty and Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius,
the chairs of the NGA's Clean Energy Initiative.
as much as 50 percent of the energy they draw from the wall, and even
computers with power-management features installed are more likely than
not to have these options disabled. Even though newer, more efficient computers cost an estimated $30 more per machine, the governors yesterday said they were will to shoulder the additional upfront cost to save energy and would quickly
recoup the costs.
over the life of the computer you actually recoup those savings so we think it's a win-win situation,"
Sebelius said during a press conference about the announcement.
each year -- to drive down the cost of these computers over time. of the National Governor's Association, he launched as his Chair's Initiative the Securing a Clean Energy Future program. In addition to energy efficiency, the program will develop approaches to increase the use of biofuels, reduce greenhouse gases and advance research in clean energy technologies. Yesterday's announcement addresses one of four platforms on Pawlenty's agenda. As the chairperson of the National Governor's Association, he launched as his Chair's Initiative the Securing a Clean Energy Future program. In addition to energy efficiency, the program will develop approaches to increase the use of biofuels, reduce greenhouse gases and advance research in clean energy technologies. http://www.greenercomputing.com/news_third.cfm?NewsID=36223
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| IRS Small Business Forms and Publications | ||||
| Now you can select and download
multiple small business and self-employed forms and publications
or you can call (800) 829-3676 to order forms and publications through the mail. If you are an aspiring entrepreneur and are unsure of which tax publications may be relevant to you, please consult our Starting a Business section, which provides an overview of your federal tax responsibilities. Please note: This list is not all-inclusive, so please visit Forms and Publications for other tax publications. Adobe Acrobat Reader is required to open the PDF files.
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ADA PORTAL The ADA Portal is an on-line searchable database including information relaqted to the employment of individuals, assistance in providing accommodations, and an overview of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Use http://www.uschamber.com/icw/strategies/disabilityemployment.htm for more information.
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Department of Transportation’s Most Requested Sites http://www.dot.state.mn.us/library/trucking.html
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This free web-based service is the world's most popular currency tool! It enables you to quickly and easily calculate how much any amount of one currency is worth in another currency.
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An expanded version of the above service. This
free web-based service enables you to quickly and easily calculate
foreign exchange conversions for 180 currencies from over 250
geographical locations.
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This free web-based service enables you to instantaneously create cross-rate tables of major currencies in the base currency of your choice. These cross rate-tables show "to" and "from" conversion rates for each currency.
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This free subscriber service allows you sign up to receive daily international foreign exchange rate information by electronic mail. Each business day, you will be e-mailed a currency rate update.
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This free service is a pop-up browser window that accompanies you while you surf the Web, allowing you to perform currency conversions no matter where you go. It's the Web shopper's best friend!
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This free tool assists you in processing your travel expenses. It allows you to process your expenses as soon as you get back from your trip, and helps ensure you don't underclaim.
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This tool offers basic charting features in a user-friendly format. It is easy to use, highly intuitive, and reliable during busy market conditions.
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This free web-based service provides breaking forex news on economic reports and political events that influence the currency market. You can access detailed market commentary and trading strategies from experienced forex traders.
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This tool operates the same way as the normal Travel Expenses Calculator above, but processes expenses one at a time. Perfect for older computers or slow connections.
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This free tool assists you in determining your financial institution's charges for foreign exchange transactions processed using your credit card. An invaluable companion to the Travel Expenses Calculator above.
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This free tool assists you in determining the hidden charges you pay for foreign cash or travellers' checks. An invaluable companion to the Travel Expenses Calculator above. |
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This free service allows you to follow live currency rates. Now you can track the value of currencies in small, convenient windows on your desktop that update themselves automatically.
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XE.com currency services are now available wireless! Now you can take the world's favorite currency services with you wherever you go. All you need is a cell phone, hand-held organizer, or pager that supports wireless Internet.
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Tools and services under development. These are not documented or supported.
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Find WorkersWith a simple, free registration, you can access the largest database of Minnesota job seekers and quickly link to the state’s economic development resources. Businesses looking nationally for hard to find candidates should look here where they will also find up-to-date labor market trends, tips, and tools. Check out the list of job and career fairs statewide and find out about attending. Businesses can post links to their employment websites. Minnesota Federal Bonding Service Find out about insurance that protects employers against employee theft of money or property. Since 1996, Minnesota employers have received over $87 million in federal tax credits for hiring members of targeted groups, such as Welfare-to-Work clients; see how.
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MN Manufacturing (http://www.mnmanufacturing.com/)Innovative SolutionsA complete guide to manufacturing and industrial services in the upper midwest. This online marketplace pulls together the finest and most experienced companies and industry experts to offer you the most current information within the manufacturing industry today.
MN Manufacturing OnlineOnline services will profile your company to showcase your products and services, features and benefits to thousands of potential customers worldwide. This online environment will help expose your business presence and increase revenues in the manufacturing marketplace.
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OSHA announces employer-paid Personal Protective Equipment final rule
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New I-9 Handbook for Employers
Links to the new I-9 Form (which is an Adobe Acrobat document that can be filled out online) and the new handbook are available on the homepage of DEED's Youth Website at www.deed.state.mn.us/youth . The Department of Homeland Security will not begin enforcement of the use of the new I-9 Form until December 26, 2007. After that date, employers may be fined for failure to use the new I-9 Form (per the Federal Register Notice).
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Tax Benefits for Businesses Accommodating the Disabled There are tax benefits in the form of credits and deductions for businesses that accommodate the disabled, including:
Contact Rehab Services at the Winona Workforce Center at 507-453-2940
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MJSP Funded Projects October 29, 2007 |
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The Minnesota Jobs Skills Partnership (MJSP) Program strategically helps Minnesota businesses and schools competitively train the workforce. Grants are awarded by the Minnesota Job Skills Partnership Board to educational institutions that partner with businesses to develop new-job training or retraining for existing employees. All training projects pair at least one public/private accredited Minnesota educational institution and one business. Funds may be used for training-related costs or educational infrastructure improvements necessary to support businesses located or intending to locate in Minnesota. A cash or in-kind contribution from the contributing business must match program funds on at least a one-to-one ratio.
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Grantee |
Training Provider(s) |
Amount |
Program |
|
|
St. Paul College |
Medallion Cabinetry, Inc. |
$345,325 |
Partnership |
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Medallion Cabinetry of Waconia is a rapidly growing manufacturer of residential home cabinetry with a large expansion planned for 2008. To stay ahead of the competition, Medallion must promote change in their culture and become more effective at building products with minimum waste and in an efficient work environment. A partnership between St. Paul College and Medallion will build a curriculum focusing on the principals and philosophy of Green manufacturing, creating natural work teams, talent growth and retention, and process and production improvement. All 541 employees will gain invaluable new skills, both technical and in organizational change that will result in increased job satisfaction, efficiency and product quality. The project will be of great value to St. Paul College as they embark on their own implementation of “Green” technology into their credit based programs. Local Contact: Joy Sommers, Account Manager, St. Paul College, 651-846-1438.
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Grantee |
Training Provider(s) |
Amount |
Program |
|
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Anoka Ramsey Community College |
Tapemark |
$385,051 |
Partnership |
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This project will assist Tapemark, a well established West St. Paul printing and packaging company, in its transition to pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturing. In a partnership with Anoka Ramsey Community College (ARCC) on-site training will be provided for their entire workforce of 200 employees (30 new hires) over a three-year period. Curriculum will focus on three core areas: Technical Training for Medical Device and Pharmaceutical Manufacturing, Manufacturing for Medical Device and Pharmaceutical Markets, and Operational Excellence. SolidWorks and Statgraphics will be offered in collaboration with Hennepin Technical College. The new technology and additional skill development derived from this project will help Tapemark reach its goals of increased revenue and expanded product capacity. Employees will earn CEUs for completion of training and enhance career advancement possibilities. The addition of four new curriculum offerings and the development of three-non-credit certificates will strengthen ARCC’s already established niche in the Biomedical Technology field and add expertise in the area of transition management. Local Contact: Jan Pomeroy, Director CE/CT, ARCC, 763-433-1468.
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Grantee |
Training Provider(s) |
Amount |
Program |
|
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Hennepin Technical College |
Allina Health System |
$353,518 |
Partnership |
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This project addresses the increasingly severe shortage of critical care nurses. MSJP funds will support a partnership between Hennepin Technical College (HTC), Allina Health System, and the University of Minnesota School of Nursing to create a standardized Critical Care Nurse Orientation Program. State-of-the art simulation technology will be used in the design and delivery of training for up to 300 current and 200 new Allina nurses. Eight two-hour courses will focus on a specific body system disorder – Pulmonary, Cardiovascular, Neurological, Endocrine, Renal, Gastrointestinal, Mematologic and Multisystem – providing hands on experience in life threatening situations. Training will take place in HTC’s new Mobile Simulation Center, which will be brought to four Allina sites to enable nurses from across Allina’s 11 hospitals to participate in training. Access to the Mobile Simulation Center will be especially beneficial to critical care nurses employed in rural locations and smaller healthcare facilities. As a result of this project, Allina and its partners will have access to high fidelity clinical simulations that will provide opportunities to acquire and demonstrate competency in critical nursing care. HTC will extend its current capacity to create highly sought after simulations for critical care nurses and will enable them to equip their Mobile unit through in-kind employer donations. Local Contact: Joe Mulford, Dean, Customized Training, HTC, 763-550-7164.
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Grantee |
Training Provider(s) |
Amount |
Program |
|
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Emerge Community Development & Minneapolis Community Technical College |
Graco, Inc. & Coloplast Manufacturing US, LLC |
$177,112 |
Pathways |
|
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This project will assist two anchor businesses in the Minneapolis empowerment zone in North and Northeast Minneapolis who have experienced difficulty finding individuals with the skills needed to fill their entry-level positions. Graco and Coloplast will partner with Emerge and Minneapolis Community and Technnical College (MCTC) to provide training that will prepare un/underemployed individuals for entry-level employment. A total of 77 individuals will be trained through a five-week program provided by MCTC. Courses include: Overview of the Manufacturing Work Environment, Work Responsibility and Expectations, Manufacturing Fundamentals, Computers for Manufacturing, and Inspection and Quality Control. In addition, tours, guest speakers and specific work samples and activities will be provided by the business partners. Occupational Certificates will be awarded for completion of the training that is representative of two years work experience. Both companies are committed to hiring participants who successfully complete the training. Emerge will assist in placing individuals through staffing services, job fairs and interviews. Local Contact: Dawn Williams, Director, Employment Services, Emerge, 612-529-9267.
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Grantee |
Training Provider(s) |
Amount |
Program |
|
| Hibbing Community College |
DMR Electronics |
$136,223 |
Partnership |
|
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DMR Electronics, located in Hibbing, designs, manufacturers and repairs high-end industrial electronic equipment for an international customer base. With a current workforce of 74, the company expects to reach 100 or more employees within the next three years. Hibbing Community College (HCC) will develop new and customized curriculum that will provide industry-specific instruction to 100 new and incumbent employees. Courses include: Lean/5S (taught in partnership with Itasca Community College), IPC – Association Connecting Electronics Industries, ISO, Low Voltage Test Prep and Certification, Microsoft Dynamics NAV Software, and Supervisory training. CEUs will be awarded for successful completion of applicable courses. IPC and ISO training will result in International Ceritification. A more thoroughly trained, increasingly productive workforce will enhance DMR’s efficiency and competitiveness. Employees will gain transferable skills and increased opportunities for internal advancement. HCC will benefit by the development of training modules that are not currently available in the area and will be positioned to better serve current and emerging industry in the region. Local Contact: Tom Gregorich, Customized Training, Hibbing Community College, 218-262-7253.
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Grantee |
Training Provider(s) |
Amount |
Program |
|
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Itasca Community College |
Falls Memorial Hospital, Good Samaritan Society, Littlefork Medical Center |
$202,476 |
Partnership |
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MJSP funds will allow Itasca Community College (ICC) and Rainy River Community College (RRCC) to tailor a Lean Health curriculum for the employees of the three partnering healthcare providers in Northeastern Minnesota. Customized curriculum that includes Principles of Continuous Improvement, Workplace Organization, Value Stream Mapping, Health Sigma and Service + for Healthcare will be offered to a total of 315 employees over the three-year grant period. Through this partnership, the partnering facilities will streamline the educational process by collaborating on curriculum, sharing instructional time, determining the needs of patients, and accelerating communication among the providers on processes that are more effective. ICC will build capacity to tailor a Lean Health program to a rural area with multiple healthcare providers that interdependently provide health care services across the continuum. Local Contact: Lorette Kent, Customized Training Rep., Itasca Community College, 218-259-4440.
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|
Grantee |
Training Provider(s) |
Amount |
Program |
|
|
Fond du Lac Tribal & Community College |
Sappi Fine Paper North America |
$328,180 |
Partnership |
|
|
Sappi Fine Paper of Cloquet is the leading manufacturer of coated fine paper in North America, employing 780 area residents. MJSP funds will help address the skills deficiencies of Sappi’s incumbent workforce and expand training opportunities for future hires. Over a three year period, Sappi will work with Fond du Lac Tribal & Community College (FDLTCC) to create a comprehensive manufacturing Craft Skills Improvement Training curriculum, which is not currently available in the local area. A total of 318 employees will receive instruction at Sappi’s new on-site training center as well as the welding lab at Cloquet High School. Courses include: Instrumentation Skills Improvement, Industrial Rigging, Fluid Power Training, and Basic and Advanced Welding. This project will improve the skills and knowledge of the employees and provide them with internal advancement opportunities. FDLTCC will gain capacity through the creation of a comprehensive training curriculum that can be utilized for other regional businesses. Local Contact: Jeannie Kermeen, Customized Training, Fond du Lac TCC, 218-879-0741.
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|
Grantee/Educational Provider(s) |
Contributing Business(es) |
Amount |
Program |
|
|
Rochester Community & Technical College |
Garden Cottage Assisted Living, Wildwood Grove, Inc., Spring Valley Senior Living, Park Lane Estates Assisted Living, Heritage Grove of Harmony, Spring Grove Assisted Living |
$49,932 |
Partnership |
|
|
A partnership between six rural Southeastern Minnesota Assisted Living facilities and Rochester Community and Technical College (RCTC) will address the challenge of meeting a growing customer demand and state regulations. RCTC will work with the six facilities to design curriculum that will meet State regulatory compliance along with four new topics to build technical skills. A total of 139 employees will be selected to attend customized and new courses that include: Infection Control, Emergency Response/Disaster Planning, Assisted Living Bill of Rights, Dementia, HIPPA, Employee Safety, Falls Prevention, and Food Safety and Nutrition. Through this training, employees will develop skills that will benefit them in their job success and will positively impact the quality of life for the residents these employees serve. RCTC will build a new niche in Assisted Living education. Local Contact: Abbey Hellickson, Workforce Development Specialist, Rochester CTC, 507-529-2736.
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|
Grantee/Educational Provider(s) |
Contributing Business(es) |
Amount |
Program |
|
|
Bemidji State University |
Upper Mississippi Mental Health Center |
$49,824 |
Partnership |
|
|
The Upper Mississippi Mental Health Center (UMMHC), located in Bemidji, is the largest and most comprehensive provider of behavioral health services in the region providing counseling and therapeutic services. MJSP funding will allow them to partner with Bemidji State University (BSU) to develop training modules that will provide each employee with the tools necessary to become an accredited CARF (Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities) facility. A total of 68 employees will receive training through courses that include: Business Process Improvement, Business Principles and Continuous Improvement, and CARF Accreditation. The attainment of CARF accreditation will help UMMHC expand revenue and decrease costs while strengthening its ability to provide quality care to its clientele. BSU will gain capacity via new curriculum and add the expertise and training materials needed to offer CARF certification training to other behavior health providers. Local Contact: Jeanne Edevold Larson, Industrial Training Coord., Bemidji State, 218-755-4900.
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|
Grantee/Educational Provider(s) |
Contributing Business(es) |
Amount |
Program |
|
|
Minnesota State Community & Technical College |
West Central Telephone |
$36,056 |
Partnership |
|
|
Through MJSP funding, West Central Telephone (WCT), located in Sebeka, will partner with Minnesota State Community and Technical College (MSCTC) to develop an efficient, cost-effective method to help the company establish its own employee development and tracking system. Using Wimba, a highly interactive software technology, MSCTC will deliver on-site synchronous online training to 19 company employees that includes job task identification, performance indicators, training plans, and record keeping. Trainees will learn new skills that will expand the scope of their work practices and enhance their opportunities for advancement; certificates will be awarded for completion of each training module. The project will help WCT keep pace with the most current technological advances in telecommunication, thereby, keeping it competitive and profitable. MSCTC will expand its technological capacity and expertise in delivering interactive online training. Local Contact: Mary Ryan, Director of Client Services, MN State CTC, 218-849-2655.
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|
Grantee/Educational Provider(s) |
Contributing Business(es) |
Amount |
Program |
|
|
Teamworks, Inc. |
HEI, Inc. |
$37,145 |
Partnership |
|
|
HEI, Inc., located in Victoria, is a full service developer and manufacturer of high performance electronic components, medical and industrial products and software. In a partnership with Teamworks, HEI will train 55 employees through courses that include: Intro & Advanced Soldering & Certification (IPC-J-STD-OO1), Blue Print Reading, Team Building, Communication and Problem Solving. Through training, employees will more readily realize their individual potentials as well as the economic benefit of their increased skills and employability. The capacity that Teamworks will gain in IPC-J-STD-001 will be valuable as more and more businesses seek IPC certification. Local Contact: Michael Christianson, CEO, Teamworks, 218-732-3622.
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Contact Custom Training & Education at Minnesota State College-Southeast Technical for more information about developing a training program for your company or a group of companies Call them at 507-453-2740
|
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