Funded by $250,000 grant from Dakota County
Made possible by $250,000 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding distributed to Dakota County and approved for use by the county’s Board of Commissioners, the Workforce Mobility Program at Dakota County Technical College and Inver Hills Community College will provide free tuition to Dakota County residents seeking training in key, high-demand industry sectors.
The Workforce Mobility Program offers training in the following areas:
- Boiler Operation
- Class A CDL
- Welding
- Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
- Phlebotomy
- Intro to Early Childhood Education
- Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
“We are grateful for our partnership with Dakota County and the Department of Employment and Economic Assistance,” said Michael Berndt, president of DCTC and Inver Hills. “We are also grateful to the Board of Commissioners for approving use of ARPA funding for this program. A big part of our economic recovery from COVID is supporting people who want to reenter the workforce, or to move into higher skill fields.”
Improve your skills or start a new career!
The Workforce Mobility Program is offering free training in high-demand areas for Dakota County residents who are at least 18 years old. Spaces are limited and priority is given to Dakota County residents with financial need. For more information, email WorkforceMobility@dctc.edu.APPLY NOW
Industry & Transportation
Boiler Operation | Non-Credit
Gain valuable knowledge to pass the Minnesota boiler license test. This Steam course covers both high and low pressure boilers.
- September 16 – October 6
Tues. and Thur., 5:30–9:30 p.m.
Class A CDL | Non-Credit*
Earn your Class A Commercial Driver’s License and you’ll have
a skill that is always in demand. Learn to drive tractor trailers,
buses, delivery trucks, and more.
- Classes start every few weeks
* This program has additional eligibility requirements like having a valid driver’s license, Class D or higher. Contact us to learn more. Offered in partnership with the Minnesota State Transportation Center of Excellence.
Welding | 3 college credits
Employers need welders. The Welding Safety and Theory
course can prepare you for some entry-level welding
positions and start your path towards a degree.
- July 11 – August 4
Mon.-Thur., 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Health Care & Education
Certified Nursing Assistant | Non-Credit*
Enter the high-demand field of health care by becoming a
CNA. Learn to care for those who need it most.
- Classes offered throughout the year, contact us for upcoming courses
* This program has additional eligibility requirements. Contact us to learn more.
Phlebotomy | Non-Credit*
People trained in phlebotomy are in high-demand. Help fill this critical health care need and start your new career.
- Classes starting as early as August
* This program has additional eligibility requirements, including a criminal background check. Contact us to learn more.
Intro to Early Childhood Education
| 3 college credits
Inspire young minds. This course provides an overview of the early childhood profession, examining the differing roles within the profession.
- August 22 – December 16
- Time and delivery options:
- Tuesdays, 10 – 11:55 a.m., partially online
- Completely online, no specific meeting times, ongoing assignment due dates
*For more information, email WorkforceMobility@dctc.edu.
Emergency Medical Technician
(EMT) | 9 college credits*
Learn to save lives on the front lines. Prepare for the national
certification exam and a career as an EMT.
- August 22 – December 15
Starts and runs the full fall semester
Daytime and evening options
* This course earns college credit at Inver Hills. An EMT certification is part of admission requirements to the paramedic program. This program has additional eligibility requirements, including a criminal background check. Contact us to learn more.
