Meetings next week on subsidized training for new manufacturing workers

A local manufacturing industry trade group is trying to raise awareness of a program that subsidizes training for new manufacturing workers.

The Metro Manufacturing Alliance is holding meetings in Minneapolis and St. Paul next week to educate companies about the program.

Employers who commit to hiring new employees who have been unemployed or underemployed for at least 27 weeks qualify for about $2,100 in wage subsidy payments for each employee.

"The program [provides incentives to] employers who hire people from training programs to continue with training on-site as people are getting onboard and into jobs," said Marie Larson, of the employment and training program for the city of Minneapolis.

"The goal is to close the manufacturing skills gap."

About one in nine jobs in Minnesota is in the manufacturing sector. Manufacturers say there's a shortage of skilled workers. But some economists say companies aren't finding workers because of low wages and other factors.

The first information session about the program will take place from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Tuesday at Hennepin Technical College, 9000 Brooklyn Blvd, Brooklyn Park. The second session will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Wednesday at St. Paul College, 235 Marshall Ave, St. Paul.