M State provides varied channels for workforce training

BY MELISSA OLHEISER

New training opportunities are available for workers throughout the region, thanks to a federal grant awarded last year to Minnesota State Community and Technical College.

In late 2014, M State received a $2.5 million Round 4 Trade Adjustment Assistance Community College and Career Training (TAACCCT) grant from the Department of Labor for the CU Succeed (Construction and Utilities) initiative.

The program will provide individuals with training and certifications for in-demand careers in construction and utilities through the use of mobile training units, workplace readiness and soft skills instruction and workplace experiences.

Integration of technology is a core component of CU Succeed. Its foundational Plus+ (soft skills) course will be offered online, providing participants with the flexibility to complete the course at their own pace, with on- and off-line collaboration among classmates and the instructor.

Also, three mobile training units being created for the program utilize new transportable technologies that allow the college to take hands-on instruction to participants at various locations. This type of technology has been used effectively by community and technical colleges nationwide.

M State mobile trailers will travel to workforce centers, employer partner sites and between M State’s campuses. The mobile trailers will complement M State’s successful welding module, which has been on the road since 2013.

The three mobile units being developed by M State are:

• Commercial Driver’s License: This trailer will house three truck-driving simulators plus classroom space, allowing M State to teach a variety of courses focused around CDLs.

• Safety: This trailer will set up various safety and simulation scenarios to teach participants safe equipment usage and prevention and treatment of injury, including fall protection, electrical safety, machine guarding and first aid, with the main emphasis on OSHA 10/30 General Industry and Construction.

• Precision Measurement: Currently researching industry recognized credentials.

The mobile trailers will be equipped with HVAC systems so they can be used year-round and will contain hands-on equipment for instruction and student practice. M State will use a variety of open educational resources in the mobile training units, such as resources offered by OSHA, MSHA, CDL and Precision Measurement.

M State will showcase the safety mobile training and the welding trailer at the 4th Annual NRASP Safety Conference Nov. 9-10 at the Hilton Garden Inn in Fargo. Please visit www.nrasp.com/conference for registration and conference information.

Northern Region Association of Safety Professionals (NRASP) is a group of professionals from all types of industry who share an interest in and passion for promoting workplace safety and health. The member-run organization works to create opportunities to network, share best practices and stay up-to-date with ever-changing regulatory environments.

For more information on the mobile training units, please contact Melissa Olheiser, melissa.olheiser@minnesota.edu or 218-299-6566, or Teri Dobbs, teri.dobbs@minnesota.edu or 218-299-6564. PB

Melissa Olheiser Industry Liaison, Minnesota State Community and Technical College melissa.olheiser@minnesota.edu