The Southwest Minnesota Private Industry Council is launching a comprehensive Agriculture Skills Career Pathway Program supported by a $500,000 Growing Careers grant from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development. PIC was one of seven organizations selected statewide for the new agriculture-focused workforce initiative.
Working in partnership with the South Central Workforce Council, PIC will serve up to 84 eligible dislocated workers across 23 counties in southwest and south central Minnesota. The program will help participants prepare for stable, high-demand careers while strengthening the workforce available to agricultural employers throughout the region.
Participants will receive individualized career guidance, work-readiness preparation, credentialed training, paid work experiences, internships, on-the-job training, job-placement assistance and support services. Training will be matched to each participant’s interests and regional employer needs.
Potential career pathways include commercial driving, agricultural and heavy-equipment operation, diesel and farm-equipment mechanics, mechatronics, welding, animal science, food and agricultural science, veterinary technology, pesticide application and agricultural management.
Minnesota West Community and Technical College, South Central College, Adult Basic Education providers and other training partners will help participants develop essential skills and earn industry-recognized credentials and postsecondary credit. Adult Basic Education services may include workplace math, reading, English-language learning, digital literacy and financial literacy.
Employers will be central to the program’s success. Agricultural businesses will help shape training, provide career information, host tours and work-based learning experiences, mentor participants and connect qualified graduates with employment opportunities.
Agriculture remains one of the region’s most important industries, but employers continue to experience shortages in skilled technical and production positions. This investment will create new opportunities for workers to build family-sustaining careers while developing a stronger regional agricultural workforce.
Workers, employers, and community organizations interested in participating are encouraged to contact Carrie Bendix at 507-476-2188. Additional program and enrollment information will be announced as it becomes available.