As the Southwest Minnesota Private Industry Council (PIC) celebrates its 40th Anniversary, we take pride in four decades of connecting people, training, and opportunity across Southwest Minnesota. From guiding laid-off workers toward new beginnings to helping young people discover their passions, our mission remains centered on empowering individuals and strengthening communities through workforce innovation.
Our Dislocated Worker and WIOA Adult Programs continue to provide a foundation for success for those navigating career changes or seeking advancement. These programs offer eligible adults, particularly those laid off, underemployed, or facing barriers, career counseling, skills assessments, training opportunities, and job placement support. In the past year, participants earned 249 credentials, with another 97 pending completion. Through the Dislocated Worker Program, 111 individuals were served, achieving an 87% successful exit rate and an average wage of $29.76. Meanwhile, 54 participants were served under the WIOA Adult Program, with 88% achieving successful outcomes and an average wage of $23.55. Many participants shared how these programs changed their lives, including Brooklyn, who said, “I wasn’t sure how I was going to manage my school and workload. The grant from Southwest Minnesota Private Industry Council took away my financial burden and allowed me to dedicate more time to my studies.” Another participant, Linda, reflected, “Getting laid off was scary, but it pushed me toward something better. Now, wherever life takes me, I know I have the skills and confidence to succeed.” Link to Dislocated Worker and WIOA Adult Annual Report
Our Public Assistance Programs provide critical support to families as they work toward self-sufficiency. Through programs such as the Diversionary Work Program (DWP), the Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP), the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Employment and Training (SNAP E&T), and Refugee Employment Services, the PIC served 1,160 clients this year. These programs offer cash assistance, food support, and employment services that help families find stability and independence. In November 2024, we welcomed Amy Khamphanh as our new Public Assistance Program Manager following the retirement of longtime leader Mary Mulder, whose years of service left an enduring legacy of compassion and dedication. We are grateful to our partners across Big Stone, Chippewa, Des Moines Valley Health and Human Services (Cottonwood and Jackson), Lac qui Parle, Nobles, Southwest Health and Human Services (Lincoln, Lyon, Murray, Pipestone, Redwood, Rock), Swift, and Yellow Medicine Counties for their continued collaboration. As one family shared, “We are very happy and grateful for programs like MFIP, the Adult Program, and other Minnesota programs. They have provided us with financial stability, employment, and other helpful services.” Link to Public Assistance Programs Annual Report
Our Career Pathways Training for Adults continues to open doors to in-demand careers through short-term, targeted education and training programs in industries such as welding, CNA, and CDL. These programs pair technical instruction with individualized support to ensure participants can transition successfully into the workforce or advance within their fields. Over the past year, 174 individuals received services, with 79 participants exiting the program, 66 of whom achieved successful outcomes, marking an 84% success rate. Participants like Min, who completed Blueprint Reading and Welding Fundamentals, gained valuable technical skills and earned six college credits while strengthening his understanding of industrial blueprints. Another participant completed his CDL training and secured multiple job offers within just weeks, now thriving in full-time employment. In recognition of its impact, the Career Pathways program received the MAWB Promising Practices Award. Link to Career Pathways Training for Adults Annual Report
The Youth and Young Adult Services program continues to invest in the region’s future workforce by helping young people ages 14–24 build the education, experience, and confidence needed for success in employment and postsecondary education. With a focus on those facing barriers, the program served 149 youth this year, with 48 of 58 exits resulting in successful outcomes, an 83% success rate. Services include paid work experiences, occupational skills training, job readiness and leadership development, mentoring, and financial literacy education. Through the new Employment Transitions Model (ETM) Grant, the PIC is partnering with DEED to support low-income youth and young adults with disabilities. Over the next five years, this program will provide career exploration, skills training, and paid work experiences to ensure a successful transition into the workforce. One participant, Lisbeth, captured the program’s impact perfectly: “At 19, welding is more than just joining metals; it’s a study in strength and precision. As I master this craft, I’m not only building structures but also constructing a resilient future.” Link to Youth and Young Adult Annual Report
Through our Youth Career Connectors (YCC) initiative, we bridge education and industry by connecting students with real-world learning opportunities. During the 2024–2025 program year, YCC reached 5,026 students across 30 school districts, hosted 2,002 career fair participants, and coordinated 701 job shadows and industry tours. The program offers career fairs, mock interviews, internships, and life skills days, as well as our Know Before You Go campaign and Business Tour Days, all designed to help students prepare for life after graduation. With more than 230 partners, including local schools, businesses, and community sponsors, YCC continues to play a vital role in developing the next generation of skilled workers. As one student, Bailey, shared, “This experience has exposed me to many new concepts, which has opened doors to new opportunities.” Link to YCC Annual Report
As we celebrate 40 years of service, the Southwest Minnesota Private Industry Council remains dedicated to connecting people with the tools and opportunities they need to thrive. Each success story, credential earned, and partnership formed reflects our commitment to strengthening communities and building a skilled, resilient workforce. We invite you to explore our annual reports and celebrate this milestone with us as we look ahead to the next 40 years of innovation, growth, and opportunity in Southwest Minnesota.