Minnesota Training Partnership Receives Grant to Boost Trades
The state funding supports expanded workforce training for carpenters, boilermakers, and millwrights in Minnesota.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Jobs — General
Live Poll
Do you believe local workforce development programs are effective at helping residents secure stable, skilled jobs?
The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development awarded a Drive for 5 grant to the Minnesota Training Partnership. This funding will support the organization's expansion of union workforce training programs for in-demand trade careers.
Why it matters
The initiative aims to address a persistent demand for skilled labor among Minnesota employers and union contractors. By targeting unemployed and underemployed populations, the program creates accessible paths into stable union trade roles.
The Minnesota Training Partnership operates with 21 staff members and provides five-week training programs. The organization currently supports more than 300 individuals annually across its various trade tracks.
The players
Minnesota Training Partnership
This nonprofit organization focuses on preparing underserved populations for careers in the skilled trades.
Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development
This state agency oversees economic development and employment initiatives across Minnesota.
Carpenters Training Institute
Located in St. Paul, this facility serves as one of the primary sites for union workforce training.
The details
The nonprofit screens and assesses applicants to gauge their likelihood of success before enrollment. Throughout the five-week sessions, participants receive coaching and essential support services, such as transportation assistance and work shoes, to ensure high retention rates.
Timeline
The Minnesota Training Partnership was founded in 2017.
Market Landscape
This grant aligns with broader state efforts to bridge the gap between underemployed workers and the persistent labor shortages in the skilled trades. By formalizing these training pathways, the organization positions itself as a critical player in the regional union construction labor market.
Unemployed or underemployed residents in Minnesota can access these programs to receive professional training and support services at no personal cost. This initiative improves local access to career paths in carpentry, boilermaking, and millwright work.
The takeaway
This partnership highlights how targeted state grants can successfully funnel workers into essential union trades. Individuals looking for new career paths should contact local union facilities to learn about enrollment cycles and support services.
Further reading
For more on employment trends, read our Jobs — General section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Finance & Commerce.
Live Poll
Do you believe local workforce development programs are effective at helping residents secure stable, skilled jobs?
