A guide to Minnesota workforce service providers

Quick Facts 

• Total individuals served in employment services and training: 6,350 
   
• Total Workers Placed Per Year: 1,400 
   
• Retention Rate: 90% retain employment for six months or more 
   
• Top Industries served: Healthcare, HVAC, Telecommunication, IT, Clean Energy 
   
• Counties Served: Anoka, Benton, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott, Sherburne, Stearns, and Washington 

Overview 

Serving Minnesota since 1960, Avivo specializes in helping individuals who face the greatest challenges to stability and economic advancement – homelessness, poverty, racism, mental health concerns, addiction, disabilities, and navigating life as recent immigrants. Avivo offers training, employment services, shelter and housing support, and chemical and mental health services. Avivo uniquely pairs these services to help individuals achieve their life and employment goals. (Learn more at avivomn.org) 

Job Training Programs 

Avivo provides employers with access to a hidden workforce – a culturally-diverse, skilled talent pool for a wide range of positions in various fields. Avivo facilitates short-term training in key in-demand industries through its own licensed career and technical school. Avivo also connects job seekers to external training opportunities that match their unique skills, experiences, and interests. Avivo participants graduate with industry credentials to enter careers and advance in the fields of transportation, healthcare, IT, human resources, clean energy, cosmetology, and more.  

• IT Support: Students can earn their CompTIA A+ 1001 and A+ 1002 certifications.  
   
• Medical Support: Students learn healthcare principles, medical terminology, medical records, patient ethics, confidentiality, scheduling, and billing software, as well as billing and coding.  
   
• Office Support Specialist: Students gain intermediate-level training in Microsoft Office, advanced customer service, as well as preparation for the Benchmark Portal Agent Certification. 
   
• Telecommunications Installation and Support: Students gain skills in telecommunications Technologies, Network Cabling Specialist Copper Systems, Network Cabling Specialist Fiber Optic Systems, Wireless Technician. 
   
• HVAC Installation and Maintenance: Students gain knowledge, skills, and certifications for entry-level positions that meet the workforce demand in installing, maintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing HVAC/R systems. 

Business Contact 

Becca Lopez, Avivo Vice President of Career Education & Employment Services
612-752-8826 
becca.lopez@avivomn.org

Note From Organization 

“Avivo partners with Minnesota businesses in specific ways to connect them to skilled and diverse talent. Businesses are invited to participate on Avivo’s Business Partner Council to help inform career pathway training programs, host company learning and hiring events, or volunteer time for student informational and mock interviewing. In return, Avivo serves as a hiring partner to help meet unique workforce needs by providing business partners with an opportunity to hire talent that is prescreened and equipped with the skills, targeted training, relevant credentials, and support needed to thrive in today’s labor market.” 

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Quick Facts 

• Total Workers Placed Per Year: 300-600, varies with immigration and refugee arrivals 
   
• Retention Rate: More than 90% retention at one year 
   
• Industries served: Primary focus in healthcare, hospitality, and other industries where new Americans have previous education or experience. New sector program in development. 
   
• Counties Served: Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott and Washington 

Overview 

The International Institute of Minnesota provides classes and services to empower New Americans (immigrants and refugees) to pursue their goals. From language learning and job training to immigration assistance, citizenship classes, refugee resettlement, social services, and financial coaching, the Institute offers New Americans a pathway for a solid start to a new life in our Minnesota communities.  

Job Training Programs 

Many immigrants coming to the United States are highly skilled, hold a credential or degree, and have unique skill sets, experiences and perspectives. Refugees arrive with work authorization and a desire to contribute. The International Institute specializes in identifying, screening, training and placing these talented individuals in their first jobs in the United States; and helping them advance in their careers. 

Employment specialists offer comprehensive services to ensure immigrants are equipped with proper vocational, linguistic and career guidance to succeed in the workplace. Employment services are free to both employers and program participants.  

• Hospitality Careers Pathway: Assists highly motivated New Americans with general and technical skills for the hospitality industry, enabling them to find entry-level employment and advance in jobs at hotels and healthcare facilities in the Twin Cities. Training includes housekeeping, dietary aide, professional leadership and cashiering skills.  
   
• Medical Careers Pathway: Three unique programs to: 1) train and certify Nursing Assistants and place them in employment. 2) Help immigrants advance healthcare credentials (CNA to LPN, LPN to RN, RN to BSN) through academic advising, tuition assistance, tutoring and job placement. 3) Help internationally trained healthcare professionals and foreign trained physicians find employment in healthcare in Minnesota, evaluate credentials and relicense.  
   
• College Readiness Academy: Free alternative to developmental (remedial) education for college bound immigrants. Academic preparation and financial aid advising. Once students enter college program, they have an 82% persistence rate with continued program advising through college graduation. 

Business Contact 

JP Holwerda, Senior Director of Workforce Development
651.377.8669
jholwerda@iimn.org

Note From Organization 

“The International Institute of Minnesota is eager to work with employers located on major transit routes and benefits that support career advancement.  Most individuals we place in employment are English language learners at various levels of proficiency. Institute clients have high employment retention and are motivated to advance in their careers.   

Stay tuned, we are researching a new training program to prepare and place New Americans in growing sectors. Learn more at iimn.org.” 

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Quick Facts 

• Total Served: 4,785  
   
• Total jobs Secured: 779  
   
• Regional Areas Served:  Twin Cities Metro, St. Cloud, Willmar, Mankato, and surrounding areas 
   
• Populations Served: Diverse youth and adults seeking career opportunities and growth 

Overview 

Goodwill Easter Seals Minnesota is a 501(c)3 nonprofit that offers job training and customized career support to eliminate barriers to work and independence. Proceeds from thrift retail, e-commerce, grants and financial contributions fund our nearly 20 customized services that help Minnesotans get equitable access to employment, create stable careers and realize the power of work. Programs and services include: career training and education, disability services, employment services, family stability, and young adult programs. 

Job Training Programs 

For more than 20 years, GESMN has been offering short-term, sector-specific training programs, expanding the skills and qualifications for Minnesotans. Graduates earn industry credentials, college credits and connection with employers with hiring and advancement opportunities. GESMN is licensed as a private career school with the Minnesota Office of Higher Education. 

• Automotive Technician: An intensive, 8-week/150-hour skill-building course on automotive technology, shop safety, multi-point vehicle inspection, cooling systems, brakes and customer service. The course takes place in a 5,600 square-foot 4-bay auto shop at our Saint Paul facility and leads to certification credentials and other learning credits.  
   
• Business Professional Pathways: A 10-week/180-hour job readiness course in which participants learn about customer service, professional communication, project management, computer proficiency, business principles and business terminology.  
   
• Financial Industry: A new 8-week/160-hour training course that allows participants to grow their careers by attaining Securities Industries Essential (SIE) certification. Participants receive career coaching with flexible, online training through an individual study plan and flexible schedule.  
   
• Construction: A 12-week/300-hour course with in-class instruction on the fundamentals of construction that concentrates on OSHA-10 certification, instrument and tool use, math measurement systems, blueprint review, sheathing, and other core skills.  
   
• YouthBuild: A 6-month program designed for young people ages 16-24 without a GED or high school diploma. Youth engage in carpentry skill building, career and work readiness activities, leadership opportunities and academic development.  

Business Contact 

Becky Brink, Director of Career Training & Education 
612-741-5778 
BBrink@gesmn.org

Note From Organization 

“Goodwill Easter Seals Minnesota can connect employers to new sources of talent in a variety of high-demand fields, increase workforce diversity and strengthen employee inclusion and retention.  Programs feature extensive collaboration with employers and industry partners on local market trends, shaping training curricula, volunteering as guest speakers, interview preparation skills and worksite tours.  GESMN prepares people for work to be your next successful, long-term employee!” 

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Quick Facts 

• Total Workers Placed Per Year: 1,500 secure employment/year, 5,000+ receiving employment training and related services
   
• Industries served: Healthcare, Office Administration, Customer Service, Food Service, Retail, Education/Childcare, Shipping/Packing, Transportation, Medical Manufacturing, and Hospitality 
   
• Counties Served: Ramsey, Hennepin, Dakota 
   
• Targeted Groups: Youth and young adults, unemployed and underemployed, families receiving public support 

Overview 

Hired provides services to help people build and maintain sustainable careers. They specialize in preparing low-income job seekers for high-growth jobs; providing youth assistance in overcoming barriers to education, training and employment; and offering professional career guidance and job placement services to individuals who have lost their job through no fault of their own. Hired hopes to empower people and create a more inclusive economy through these services.    

Job Training Programs 

Every year, Hired works with dozens of employers, from large businesses and government agencies to small companies, to help meet their needs for prepared workers. In turn, these employers provide living wage positions with benefits, a supportive environment, and promotion opportunities that lead to stable families and dreams realized. 

Employer partners offer volunteer opportunities to prepare participants for work by reviewing resumes, holding mock interviews, hosting charitable drives and holding site tours and networking events. Business partners also work with Hired’s Career Pathways staff to ensure the training curriculum prepares participants for jobs.  

• Medical Call Center Training: This career training program prepares individuals for a career working in health insurance, a medical clinic, or a hospital. Participants receive training and certifications in customer service skills, medical terminology and more. (Certifications: NorthStar Digital Literacy, mental health/crisis training, Microsoft Office Specialist, National Retail Federation).  
   
• Office Administration Training: This career training program prepares participants for successful work in an office environment. They receive training and certifications in Microsoft Office, digital literacy, and more. (Certifications: NorthStar Digital Literacy, Microsoft Office Specialist) 
   
• Medical Manufacturing: This program teaches participants how to be successful in medical device assembly work. They learn customer service skills, microscope usage, clean room techniques and on-the-job training with our employer partner. (Certifications: NorthStar Digital Literacy, college certification in quality manufacturing and employer-recognized line certifications).  
   
• Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA): This career training program prepares participants for work in the healthcare industry. Our educational partners and trainers provide classroom and clinical training, incorporating academic preparation, theory and supervised clinic skills practice to develop/enhance critical thinking and decision-making skills, computer skills and care and interpersonal and communication skills. The program prepares graduates to sit for state licensure examinations and enter employment. (Certifications: NorthStar Digital Literacy, CPR/Basic Life Support, preparation for Minnesota CNA Licensure) 
   
• Human Services: This career training program prepares participants for working in the nonprofit or government sector in multiple human service positions, all with a basic need for customer service/case management skills. Participants will undertake a foundational training course in community and social service, followed by a choice of a range of sector-specific credentials provided by our educational partner. (Certifications could include NorthStar Digital Literacy, recovery coaching, human services professional, community interpreter, community health worker, CPR, Mental Health First Aid and Global Career Development Facilitator).  

Business Contact 

Deanna Threadgill - Advancement Director 
612-845-7177 
Deanna.Threadgill@hired.org

Note From Organization 

“Hired is committed to working together with employer partners to create an inclusive economy and more equitable workforce in Minnesota. There are several ways that employers can partner with Hired, such as actively participating in our career pathways programs, by serving as a site for supervised clinical practice, presenting to classes about employment opportunities and benefits with your company, or participating in resume reviews and mock interviews. Through Hired’s  Employer Partner Network, we also provide opportunities for partners to connect with and recruit from our pool of talented job seekers, network with other businesses and employers post job openings, table at career fairs, and share referrals throughout our employment counselors.” 

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Quick Facts 

• Total Workers Placed Per Year: 130 
   
• Placement Retention Rate: 70%+ 
   
• Industries served: Transportation, Manufacturing, Call Center/Customer Service, Facilities, and Administration 
   
• Counties Served:  Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott and Washington 
   
• Targeted Groups: Underemployed and underutilized populations, with a specific focus on diverse backgrounds 

Overview 

Rise assists individuals in poverty on the path to long-term and stable employment. Work skills training prepares participants with the skills they’ll need on the job. And through internship opportunities, job search assistance, and employment placement services, Rise works with participants to find meaningful employment. Their curriculum goes beyond teaching – through a signature Personal Empowerment program, they provide transformative change, fostering self-confidence and self-reliance.

Business partnerships

Twin Cities R!SE (TCR) works with companies to find the right TCR participant for open positions. Coordinators use specialized interview methods and assessments to select candidates who will meet your specific requirements and provide quality service. Their programs have an intense focus on soft skills training with an emphasis on personal empowerment, accountability, responsibility, conflict resolution, positive interaction, attendance and long-term change. 

• Facilities and Maintenance: Training achievements for this career pathway include; general safety practices, intro to skilled trades, and a boilers license. Certifications: OSHA 10 OR OSHA 30.
   
• Customer Service and Call Centers: With this pathway, participants learn hybrid call center technology and software, specific customer engagement skills, and a dedicated curriculum that is only used in call center work. 
   
• Advanced Manufacturing: Under this pathway, individuals learn general safety practices, machining, workplace math, blueprints/schematics, and more. Certifications: OSHA 10 OR OSHA 30.  
   
• Diesel Technician: Hands-on training and certification of diesel technician certification and inspection prep training: OSHA 10  

Business Contact 

Jacquelyn Carpenter 
612-666-8026 
jcarpenter@twincitiesrise.org

Note From Organization 

“Engaging with Twin Cities RISE ranges from hiring our amazing participants into your organization, volunteering in our training programs, partnering in community, and so much more.   

Our market-driven model means TCR develops participants to meet the needs of our hiring partners. This model also allows our coaches, instructors and staff to continually measure the level of readiness and progress of our participants so that we can make the best match for our hiring partners.”  

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