News

[Southwest Minnesota, April 1, 2024] — Southwest Minnesota Private Industry Council (PIC) is thrilled to announce receiving four grants aimed at enhancing the region’s Southwest Minnesota Workforce Development Board initiatives. These grants reflect the organization’s commitment to fostering economic growth, empowering individuals, and addressing the skills gap in Southwest Minnesota. In collaboration with key partners,

In the spirit of Women in Construction Week (March 3-9, 2024) and Women’s History Month, we are thrilled to share some news that reflects the heart of empowerment and opportunity for women in the workforce. At the Southwest Minnesota Private Industry Council, we are excited to announce our recent success securing the Women’s Economic Security Act

Workforce Development Board Seeking Board Members Contact InformationSouthwest Minnesota Workforce Development BoardCarrie Bendix507-476-2188 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Workforce Development Board Seeking Board Members {Southwest Minnesota} The Southwest Minnesota Workforce Development Board (SW MN WDB) currently has openings for board members, including Private Sector Representatives from Big Stone County and Nobles County, as well as a Labor

Bridging the gap between local employers and the next generation of professionals is a key workforce strategy for southwest Minnesota. A dedicated Youth Career Connector team collaborates with school districts and employers to organize hands-on events designed to introduce students to local employers and a wide array of career opportunities within Southwest Minnesota. Since the

With the mission of educational and career opportunities for current and recently transitioned English Learners (EL) and first-generation students, LYFT Career Pathways, in collaboration with various partner organizations, successfully organized and executed the 3rd Annual Major Madness event. Held at SMSU on November 9th, 2023, and MN West on November 8th, 2023, the event attracted

Every year, the Southwest Minnesota Career Expo provides a glimpse into the variety of career and educational prospects available in Southwest Minnesota. Proudly sponsored by the Southwest Minnesota Workforce Development Board for years, this event continues to have a significant impact on the youth and businesses within our communities. The significance of being here today

The inaugural Nobles County Internship Program, a collaboration between the Nobles County Commissioners and the Southwest Minnesota Private Industry Council (PIC), has successfully concluded its first summer. This program addressed workforce shortages and encouraged college students to consider returning to Nobles County for a summer internship. Origins of the Program The idea for this program

The PIC administers Adult and Dislocated Worker Programs designed to provide quality employment and training services to assist eligible individuals in finding a job and to help employers find the skilled workers they need to complete and succeed in the workforce. In the past year, we worked with almost 300 individuals through the Workforce Innovation

The significance of Work Based Learning and Career Exploration has grown immensely in Minnesota. To sustain a skilled workforce within our hometowns, it’s crucial for students to know the immense opportunities available in their own communities. However, organizing these career-related opportunities within school districts has become challenging due to the various responsibilities put on teachers