Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Workforce Development topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Central Minnesota Jobs and Training Services outlines local workforce programs, funding and outreach in Wright County
Summary
Central Minnesota Jobs and Training Services presented its annual report to the Wright County Board of Commissioners, describing funding streams, local services in Monticello and Wright County, employer programs such as on‑the‑job training and incumbent worker training, and youth initiatives including Operation Exploration.
Central Minnesota Jobs and Training Services told the Wright County Board of Commissioners on March 18 that it provides a range of workforce services to job seekers and employers across 11 central Minnesota counties, including Wright County.
"I am Dina Warnes, executive director with Central Minnesota jobs and training services," Dina Warnes said as she introduced the organization and the materials provided to commissioners. Warnes described CMJTS as the local workforce development provider and the administrative and fiscal entity for Local Workforce Development Area 5. She said the agency’s funding streams include adult programs, business services, public-assistance work programs in six counties and youth services.
Troy Gilbertson, adult program manager, described services available in the Monticello Comprehensive Center resource room: a computer lab for resume creation and job applications, workshops on interviewing and resume writing, and direct intake into programs for eligible clients. "We assist with that. We're actually running a resume workshop right now this morning that's available to community members," Gilbertson said.
Nut graf: CMJTS officials told commissioners the organization aims to match services to individual needs — from former long‑tenure workers displaced by layoffs to people with limited work history — and to expand employer partnerships and non‑state funding sources to sustain programs.
Details and initiatives
- Service volume: CMJTS reported it served 332 Wright County residents in the program year running July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024; many remain on active caseloads. (Handouts were provided to the board.) - Employer services: Business service coordinators, including the local business service contact based in Wright County, offer one‑on‑one consultations, on‑the‑job training (reimbursement of up to 50% of wage for eligible hires) and incumbent worker training (up to $25,000 annually for employer training). Warnes said these tools help employers retain staff and avert layoffs. - Youth programs: CMJTS is organizing a youth career camp, Operation Exploration, June 9–13 at a local technical center, focusing on health‑care skills and hands‑on experiences. - Recovery and apprenticeships: The agency operates a recovery program using opioid grant funds and reported graduates from certified peer recovery training; CMJTS is also supporting employers interested in registered apprenticeship programs.
Commissioners praised the presentation as thorough and noted CMJTS’ outreach to schools in Buffalo and Monticello and its aim to broaden brand recognition. Commissioner Veitch said the services are for a broad range of residents, not only those seeking reentry or unemployment assistance. Commissioner Holland noted the depth of work by the workforce development board and attendance at a recent planning event.
Ending: Commissioners invited CMJTS staff to tour the CareerForce Center in Monticello and requested follow-up details about school‑based staff placement and employer contacts.
