In a highly competitive job market with a shortage of skilled workers, sometimes it is easier for companies to train existing employees for more sophisticated positions.
That’s what 60 Minnesota firms will do with nearly $3 million in state dual-training grants under the PIPELINE Program. Short for, “Private Investment, Public Education, Labor and Industry Experience” PIPELINE is designed to help businesses find, train and retain workers with specialized skills.
“There’s a tremendous workforce shortage in every occupation, but nowhere more than nursing,” said Peggy Black, foundation director for Cerenity Senior Care, which has locations in White Bear Lake and on St. Paul’s west side.
Cerenity is receiving $132,000 in grant money to help 18 employees become licensed practical nurses. Four others will earn culinary certifications.
The state helps covers tuition, books and fees and means those workers can get degrees or advanced training at little or no cost. Cerenity is also providing funding to help cover tuition costs.
This is a marvelous opportunity for our employees,” said Black, who noted that many of the employees eligible for the training would have no way to pay for it without the state grants.
The difference in pay between a nursing assistant and a licensed practical nurse is $10 per hour at Cerenity. “It will be life-changing for some of these people,” Black said.
PROGRAM GOALS
In addition to filling job vacancies, boosting workers is a big goal of the program, Dennis Olson, higher education commissioner, said when the grants were announced in late June.
“We are hearing remarkable stories of employees not only completing their education, but also being promoted and prepared for supervisory positions as the result of the PIPELINE program,” Olson said. “Dual-training grants are a successful model for both the employee and the employer.”
Nancy Leppink, Department of Labor and Industry commissioner, agreed PIPELINE is an important tool that qualifying businesses can use to help valuable workers advance their careers.
Four growing, high-demand industries — advanced manufacturing, agriculture, health care services, and information technology — are eligible for the grant program.
“Apprenticeships and dual training continue to be important training models that successfully assist employers recruit and retain employees,” Leppink said.
The Minnesota Legislature established dual-training grants in 2015 to support the PIPELINE program. This is the eighth time the grants have been awarded and the program has been expanding with 667 workers receiving assistance this round.
THE PROGRAM AT WORK
Apple Tree Dental is one of the newest grant recipients. The 34-year-old provider has two Twin Cities locations and specializes in serving underserved populations.
Of Apple Tree’s 35,000 patients, about 87 percent are on medical assistance and many have special needs, said Mary Larkin, development and marketing director. That also means the nonprofit struggles to hire enough dental assistants in a highly competitive job market.
Apple Tree decided to reach out to state officials to see if “licensed dental assistant” was a position that would qualify for the PIPELINE program. The firm was awarded $21,105 to train nine people; two will get their licenses for the first time and the rest will receive new certifications.
More workers with better training means Apple Tree will be able to help more patients, Larkin said. They also hope to recruit underrepresented groups to the profession.
“It expands access to care,” Larkin said. “That’s what we are trying to do.”