Immigrants and migrant workers face unique challenges than other job seekers. These challenges can include things like visas and language. While there are few local resources for these issues in Southwestern Minnesota, there are some excellent state resources available.
Under the “Skills Identification/Development” and “Get a Job” pages on this site, we have even more resources — but these are targeted specifically at immigrants/migrant workers.
Under the “Assistance” page, we have non-job related resources for immigrants/migrant workers.
Contact
Migrant workers have a specialized career contact at our Workforce Centers. Please contact her for information and specific support and employment services
Josefina Chavez, Migrant Labor Representive
Willmar WorkForce Center
2200 23rd Street NE, Suite 2040
Willmar, MN 56201
320-441-6575
josefina
chavez
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English Language Learner
Are you improving your English for the workforce? There are some excellent resources available.
English Lessons
- GCF Aprende Libre has a series of free online English tutorials.
- USA Learns is a free, federally-developed online English as a Second Language (ESL) program in both English and Spanish.
- Southwest Adult Basic Education (ABE) - Offers free basic education classes including Workforce Education Services, Career and College Preparation, GED Preparation, Computer Training, U.S. Citizenship, English as a Second Language (ESL), etc. Contact one of the four regional ABE centers in Granite Falls, Jackson, Marshall, and Worthington.
Certification
- The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) measures and certifies the ability of non-native speakers of English to use North American English in an education setting. A good grade from this test is a helpful resource for those training for the workforce.
- The Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC) measures and certifies the ability of non-native speakers of English to use English for business. A good grade from this test is a helpful resource for those entering the workforce.
Job Hunting
- iSeek’s English Language Learner page offers career exploration, goal setting, education options, and more, all for individuals who are improving their English language skills.
Career Training
On the Skills Identification/Development page under the Job Search tab, we have even more resources — but these are targeted specifically at immigrants:
Core Skills
- Southwest Adult Basic Education (ABE) - Offers free basic education classes including Workforce Education Services, Career and College Preparation, GED Preparation, Computer Training, U.S. Citizenship, English as a Second Language (ESL), etc. Contact one of the four regional ABE centers in Granite Falls, Jackson, Marshall, and Worthington.
New Students
- Motivation Education and Training (MET) offers academic and vocational training to migrant and seasonal workers in Southwestern Minnesota.
- EducationUSA is the official site for assisting foreign students in getting into American colleges.
- The Hispanic Chamber of Commerce in Minnesota provides job training, technical assistance, and workforce development.
- The Minnesota Department of Human Services’s multilingual phone operators can discuss state services and refer you to the correct county or state offices.
- GobiernoUSA.gov is the official Spanish-language version of the United States government’s information and resource site.
Recertification/Relicensure
- The US Department of Education has information obtaining recertification and relicensure of international degrees, locating schools, and exploring education options.
- The Minnesota Department of Human Services’s multilingual phone operators can discuss state services and refer you to the correct county or state offices.
- GobiernoUSA.gov is the official Spanish-language version of the United States government’s information and resource site.
Job Seeking
On the “Find a Job” page under the Job Search tab, we have even more resources — but these are targeted specifically at immigrants and migrant workers:
- iSeek’s English Language Learner page offers career exploration, goal setting, education options, and more, all for individuals who are improving their English language skills.
- The Hispanic Chamber of Commerce in Minnesota provides job training, technical assistance, and workforce development.
Visa Services
On the “Assistance” page we have even more legal services for immigrants and migrant workers.
- The United States Citizen and Immigration Services (USCIS) has information on every step of the visa process, in most languages. The Minnesota USCIS office should be used if you need to contact someone.
- The Minnesota Department of Human Services’s multilingual phone operators can discuss state services and refer you to the correct county or state offices.
- GobiernoUSA.gov is the official Spanish-language version of the United States government’s information and resource site.