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Central Minnesota Jobs & Training Services outlines programs and warns of state, federal funding risks
Summary
Central Minnesota Jobs and Training Services (CMJTS) briefed the Kandiyohi County Board on workforce programs across 11 counties, training and employer supports, youth camps, and a push to become a registered apprenticeship hub; it warned that proposed state and federal budget cuts could reduce services.
Central Minnesota Jobs and Training Services (CMJTS) presented its annual report to the Kandiyohi County Board on May 6, describing services for job seekers and employers across 11 counties and warning that proposed state and federal budget cuts could reduce its operations.
Dina Wernes, CMJTS, described the agency’s footprint: CMJTS serves 11 counties from multiple local offices, offers programs for people ages roughly 14 through older adults, operates Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP) contracts in six counties and receives funding from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), the U.S. Department of Labor and WIOA (Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act) grants.
“Sometimes there's a misconception that our funding comes from county services,” Wernes said, adding that CMJTS works to diversify funding with private grants and fundraising. She described services for job seekers (career navigation, resume help, career labs) and for employers (on-the-job training that can reimburse 50% of wages for up to six months and incumbent worker training contracts up to $25,000).
Wernes highlighted youth and training initiatives: Operation Exploration camps for ages 16–24 (hands-on trade and health-care tracks at Ridgewater College, June sessions), cohort CNA training in partnership with schools and training providers, and a recent grant application to become a registered apprenticeship hub across the 11-county region.
Commissioner Duane Anderson recounted a business recruitment example: CMJTS helped prospective employees acquire needed skills for a company that ultimately brought about 200 jobs to the area. Wernes said the agency also runs outreach and fund-development work to reduce dependence on state and federal dollars; fund development staff have submitted many grant applications in the last months.
On funding concerns, Wernes told commissioners the governor’s proposed budget would cut programs CMJTS relies on — specifically mentioning the Minnesota Youth Program and possible federal WIOA reductions — and said those cuts would affect services for the hardest-to-serve youth, dislocated workers and adults with barriers to employment.
Board members asked about local training partnerships, including work with Ridgewater College, and CMJTS confirmed it will explore cohort CNA training when school districts request support. Wernes said CMJTS will follow up with local contacts about specific training requests.
The board received the presentation and commissioners encouraged continued outreach to businesses and stakeholders to increase awareness of CMJTS services.
