Central Minnesota Jobs and Training Services, Inc. Receives Grant from the State of Minnesota

CMJTS Will Use Funds to Help Women Enter Lucrative, Nontraditional Careers

MONTICELLO, MN — September 27, 2019 — Central Minnesota Jobs and Training Services, Inc. (CMJTS), the nonprofit employment and training partner of the local CareerForce System, has received a two-year grant from Minnesota’s Department of Employment and Economic Development. This $150,000 grant will train 50 low-income women and equip them with the skills and expertise needed to achieve success in higher-paying, nontraditional careers.

CMJTS’ Women-on-the-Move project will focus on serving women ages 16 and over, particularly women of color. Outreach will occur throughout the agency’s 11-county service area (Chisago, Isanti, Kanabec, Kandiyohi, McLeod, Meeker, Mille Lacs, Renville, Pine, Sherburne, and Wright), with particular emphasis given to the Willmar and Southeast St. Cloud areas. The project will help women identify better-paying jobs in traditionally male-dominated professions (e.g. manufacturing-related careers, commercial driving), where their talents and interests will be put to good use. The Women-on-the-Move project will then help these women obtain the training necessary to enter these fields. Career coaching and mentorship will be provided by women already successful in nontraditional arenas and it is expected that at least half of the women served will also be enrolled in additional employment and training programs to help them achieve success.

“A secondary benefit will be that successful Women-on-the-Move participants will help a number of our area employers overcome the current worker shortage. They need more skilled labor to remain competitive,” said CMJTS Development Manager Leslie Wojtowicz.

To learn more about the Women-on-the-Move project, contact CMJTS at (800) 284-7425. Employers interested in connecting with these prospective workers are also encouraged to reach out to CMJTS.