Marshall, MN – The Southwest Minnesota Private Industry Council (PIC), in collaboration with the South Central Workforce Council, has been awarded three workforce development grants from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). These grants will expand training opportunities and strengthen career pathways for individuals and businesses across Southwest Minnesota.
The funding comes through three statewide initiatives, Pathways to Prosperity, Drive for 5, and Growing Careers in Agriculture, each designed to address workforce shortages while connecting Minnesotans to in-demand, family-sustaining careers. Together, these investments position PIC and its partners to deliver a comprehensive system of training and support that meets both job seeker and employer needs.
“These investments allow us to help people move forward along a clear career pathway,” said Carrie Bendix of SWMNPIC. “Whether someone is just getting started or advancing their skills, these programs provide the training and support needed to succeed in today’s workforce.”
Through the Pathways to Prosperity initiative, PIC will deliver services across three levels of programming: On-Ramp, Bridge, and Individualized Training Pathways. This model creates a seamless progression for participants, beginning with foundational skill development and career exploration, advancing through credentialed training in high-demand industries, and culminating in customized training aligned directly with employer workforce needs. The goal is to ensure individuals can enter at any point and continue progressing toward long-term, sustainable employment.
In addition to these efforts, PIC has been awarded funding through the Drive for 5 initiative, which focuses on preparing individuals for careers in critical sectors such as healthcare, manufacturing, technology, education, and the trades. The organization also received a Growing Careers in Agriculture grant, which will support the development of agriculture-focused training programs. This initiative will help build a strong pipeline of skilled workers in agriculture while providing opportunities for individuals, particularly those facing barriers to employment, to access training, gain hands-on experience, and connect directly with employers.
“These grants are about more than training—they’re about creating real opportunities for individuals and helping employers find the skilled workforce they need,” said Bendix. “Through our partnership with South Central Workforce Council, there is expanded reach and meaningful impact across the region.”
A key priority across all three grants is aligning training with real workforce needs. PIC continues to expand both short-term and long-term training options that lead directly to employment. One example is Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Training, which provides participants with hands-on experience and an industry-recognized credential, offering a direct entry point into the healthcare field, one of the region’s most in-demand sectors.
These investments reflect a shared commitment between PIC, the South Central Workforce Council, and DEED to ensure Minnesota continues to have a highly skilled and competitive workforce. By focusing on career pathways, access to training, and supportive services, these initiatives will help individuals overcome barriers, gain in-demand skills, and secure meaningful employment, while also helping employers meet critical workforce demands.
Get Connected
Employers interested in becoming a workforce partner can complete our Employer Interest Form to connect with training programs, develop talent pipelines, and access qualified candidates. Individuals seeking training or career support are invited to complete our Client Interest Form to explore available programs and begin their career pathway journey.
To access these forms, use the links above or visit www.swmnpic.org.