The Southwest Minnesota Private Industry Council (PIC), the Lower Sioux Indian Community (LSIC), and Minnesota West Community and Technical College are proud to share that together they received 1st place for the 2025 Minnesota Association of Workforce Boards (MAWB) Promising Practice Award. This recognition honors our collaborative work on the Electrician Cankuya Program, an innovative training initiative rooted in community vision and cultural responsiveness.
Through this partnership, a 10-credit Electrician Certificate Program, approved by the Minnesota Office of Higher Education, was delivered in Morton, MN. This on-site, community-centered model made training accessible, integrated wraparound supports, and aligned education with the real workforce needs of the hemp construction initiative.
The program quickly showed results. Of the seven participants who enrolled, six successfully completed the 10-credit program with an 86 percent completion rate. Four graduates are employed and and the remaining participants continue to receive job search support. Beyond these numbers, the program created new opportunities for individuals to gain marketable skills, build confidence, and connect with local employers.
Planning is already underway for the next training cohort in Mechatronics, set to launch this fall. By continuing to bring training directly to the community, we are building a long-term pathway into high-wage, high-demand careers.
The Electrician Cankuya Program also serves as a model for other communities. Its success shows the importance of starting with a community-driven needs assessment, building strong partnerships, securing flexible funding, customizing training to local needs, and providing wraparound support alongside employer engagement.
We are honored to share this award with our incredible partners, the Lower Sioux Indian Community and Minnesota West Community and Technical College. Their leadership, vision, and commitment made this program possible. Together, we have demonstrated how workforce development can empower individuals, strengthen communities, and build a future founded on both opportunity and cultural pride.
