Duluth Offers Free Career Training For High-Demand Fields

2023 could be the year of change for you! There are plenty of high-demand career fields that have openings to fill right now in the Duluth area. If you've been considering a career change or are looking for a different job, this could be right opportunity.

Many of the open jobs come from job fields that provide the foundation for our local economy. These are fields like the health care industry and building trades.

To help make sure that these local positions have qualified candidates to fill them, the City of Duluth is helping out. They've partnered their Duluth Workforce Development with SOAR Career Solutions and Duluth Adult Education.

They're calling their program "New Year, New Career, Start Now!". It's targeted to residents of St. Louis County, Carlton, and Lake Counties - providing "career-training in high-demand fields".

The program provides Duluth Workforce Development training at no cost to those interested. It's a form of outreach that organizers believe is timed right. Elena Foshay, the Director of Duluth Workforce Development explains:

"We know that the new year is a great time to think about life changes and improvements, and we're looking to inspire our workforce to consider taking part in these training opportunities right now.....If your resolution is to start a new career that offers good wages, opportunities for advancement, and great benefit packages, Duluth Workforce Development has you covered."

Again, the training opportunities come at no charge to the those participating. Here are four upcoming training opportunities in Duluth:

Health Services: This session will be held January 23 to April 19, 2023 at Lake Superior College. It's designed for those interested in working in the medical field in an administrative capacity. Participating students will gain skills needed for a variety of roles - including Patient Account Representative, Registration, Health Unit Coordinator, and Medical Receptionist. Students can submit the training for college credit as well as earn a certificate in Microsoft Office. Typical starting wages for these job fields are "as high as $16 to $18 per hour".
Building Strong Communities: This is a hybrid online/in-person course, running January 23 through May 4, 2023. Participants will learn about the building trades and complete their OSHA10 and MC3 credentials.. Along the way, participants will get the chance to "engage with employers and union representatives, experience hands-on activities at a number of trades training facilities, gain interview experience and feedback, and receive support through the job search process". In order to take part, participants must have a High School Diploma or GED and a valid driver's license.
Class A or B CDL Training: This is a hybrid online/in-person course, offered through Lake Superior College. Participants will be trained for a wide variety of different job opportunities - as local and long-distance truck drivers. Applicants must have a valid driver's license and clean driving record, and be able to pass a physical exam and drug test.
Certified Nursing Assistant: This course at Lake Superior College starts March 20. It's also a hybrid online/in-person program. There is also an option to go on to complete a Trained Medical Aide certification. Typical starting wage for this position "is as high as $16 to $18, with job opportunities through a wide variety of employers with diverse clientele".

In addition to the four training programs offered above, Duluth Workforce Development also has paid internships for students pursuing college degrees in manufacturing, information technology, healthcare, and transportation.

If you're interested in applying for Career Pathway Training, click here to fill out the online application, call Duluth Workforce Development at 218-302-8400, stop by CareerForce: 402 West First Street - Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. You can also contact SOAR Career Solutions: 218-722-3126 or at their office: 205 West Second Street. Suite 101.