CMJTS Will Use Funds to Train and Dedicate Staff to Power Up Central MN
Contact: Leslie Wojtowicz at 800.284.7425 or [email protected]
MONTICELLO, MN — February 23, 2023 — Central Minnesota Jobs and Training Services, Inc. (CMJTS), the nonprofit employment and training partner of the local CareerForce System, has received a competitive grant – Power Up Central MN – from the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). This $350,000 grant will give CMJTS the ability to engage 40 individuals over the next two years for training and employment into energy-related construction trades. Participating individuals can be located across the state of MN, with priority to those residing in the CMJTS 11-county service area (Chisago, Isanti, Kanabec, Kandiyohi, McLeod, Meeker, Mille Lacs, Renville, Pine, Sherburne, and Wright).
The Xcel Energy Power Up Program seeks to expand diversity in energy-related and trades careers through focused outreach to people of color, women, and veterans to enter apprenticeships or direct employment in energy-related construction careers specifically designed for the utility industry and building trades. Participants of the Xcel Energy Power Up Program will receive navigation services, support services, construction industry-focused apprenticeship readiness skills training, and facilitated placement into an apprenticeship program or construction job.
To learn more about Power Up Central MN, or CMJTS’ other employment and training, interested parties can contact the agency at 800.284.7425.
About the Xcel Energy Power Up Program
This project will align with the planned construction of Xcel Energy’s 460 MW Sherco Solar project in Becker, Minnesota. Most of the project construction is planned for 2023 and 2024. The goal of this funding is to facilitate the direct placement of 40 Xcel Energy Power Up Program participants into union apprenticeships or construction jobs. Program graduates will have multiple pathways available, however, the priority for this funding is to have a skilled workforce available for the contractors working on the Sherco Solar project.
