Workshops

Provides the most up-to-date job search and career assessment workshops. Open to any job seeker - click HERE to register for workshops. A description of classes can be found HERE. 

Trainings

NOW (Non-Traditional Opportunities for Women)

FREE short-term training for women who are seeking non-traditional work in areas like manufacturing, construction, and transportation. Examples of job titles: construction or commercial painters, welders, heavy truck drivers (CDL), highway maintenance workers, CNC operators, glaziers (specialty occupation in construction). 

Average starting pay, metro area = $18.02 per hour

Eligibility: Women, age 18+, Minnesota resident and eligible to work in the U.S. PLUS ONE of the following: of color, or low income, or age 50+.

For more information please call Angela at 651-275-8685 or email. 

Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) Associate Training

FREE 12 week training starting April 11th through July 1st. Monday through Thursday 12pm-3pm. MOS exam week of July 5th. 

Instructor-led, classroom-based, training to prepare for the Microsoft Office Specialist Associate Certificate (MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) exam.

Eligibility: Age 18+ and authorized to work in the U.S. and not enrolled in any school at time of application. Additional requirements.

For more information please call Shen at 651-275-8701 or email. 

Other Resources for Short-Term Trainings

Dislocated worker services.
 Are you laid off from your job, through no fault of your own? You may qualify for dislocated worker services that can connect you to short-term training to refresh or upgrade skills, or obtain certification or professional licensure, and other help and guidance for your job search. Call for eligibility: Beth 651-275-8680

Unemployment Insurance

Dislocated Worker Service - 651-275-8680

If you have lost your employment in the past 12 months due to no fault of your own, you may be eligible for Dislocated Workers Services. Services are custom tailored to meet an individual’s specific needs. Working one-on-one with a counselor, you’ll develop a plan for employment that may include:
 Career planning and counseling | Job search and placement services | Counselor-approved training | Other support services
 

Income-based programs

If you have dependent children, you may qualify for Diversionary Work Program (DWP), or Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP)
 

Diversionary Work Program (DWP)

DWP is a four-month program for Minnesota low-income families. It provides quick and intense Employment Services to identify and resolve employment barriers in order to help participants achieve employment. DWP Employment Counselors offer job search assistance and support in order to help families achieve self-sufficiency. 
 

Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP)

MFIP is a comprehensive work focused program for low-income families in Minnesota. The goals of MFIP are to encourage and enable families to find employment, help families increase their income and move out of poverty and gain self-sufficiency to support the family. MFIP Employment Counselors offer job search assistance and support in order to help families achieve self-sufficiency.
 

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

In some cases a household income is higher than the above programs but eligible for SNAP which helps you afford food while you are unemployed. This program also offers Employment and Training Services. To see if you may eligible for any of these programs, please visit Economic Assistance on the Washington County Community Services page.

Common Employment & Training Program Forms:
Monthly Activity Log
SNAP & E&T Weekly Activity Log
Provider Opinion Form
 

For additional program information, call 651-275-8702

55+ Workers

The Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) provides job placement, skills training, and career counseling for low-income residents of Washington County, age 55 or older. The program serves as a bridge back to work for older workers. 
 
For eligibility and additional program information contact: Sheng.Xiong@co.washington.mn.us 651-275-8701
  

16-24 Workers

The Young Adult Program receives State and Federal funding to provide employment and training opportunities to low-income and/or at-risk young adults. Services provided include career planning, job search assistance, paid work experience and assistance with tuition costs. Applications accepted for youth ages 14-24. 
Young Adult Program Eligibility Guidelines
Young Adult Employment Program Application

Washington County CDA Business Services

For Employers

CareerForce locations are more than just a place for those looking for work. It’s also a place for businesses looking to hire.

Hiring

Virtual Career Fairs: It's a no-fee opportunity to meet with job seekers. We will keep you updated on both local and metro region events and help promote your events.

You can submit your events for posting with us by completing this online form.

MinnesotaWorks.net  A no-fee online resources to post jobs and search for resumes.

Applicant referral - have qualified applicants referred to you by the CareerForce network of counselors and staff.

Work Opportunity Credit and Federal Bonding Programs - There are programs to help reduce risk and reduce your taxes.

Training

MN Job Skills Partnership Training - provides financial resources for you to expand your business or train your workers.

CareerForce hosts monthly Workforce Wednesdays for employers. These sessions have been recorded. You can register for future and view past  sessions

On-The-Job Training

Saves your business money by providing wage reimbursement during the new-hire training period. Your new employee is trained according to your standards. Industry specific training is targeted to Manufacturing, Healthcare, Finance, Construction and IT. 

For information call Angela at 651-275-8685.

Young Adult Program

Promoting worksite placement, applicant referrals and some wage payment for youth ages 18-24. 

For information call Sheng at 651-275-8701

GED/Literacy/Adult Basic Education/English as a Second Language Training

Connect with your school district for hours and locations of classroom instruction.

Labor Market Information

Get information on economic data and trends, skills of the available workforce, and wage and salary information by area.

Business Start-Ups CareerForce has resources for entrepreneurs as well as connections to the Small Business Administration and Small Business Development Centers.

Washington County CDA Open To Business

To participate in a Career Fair (Virtual or In-Person) or discuss any of these resources, contact Robin at 651-275-8684.

Career Labs

Career Labs are the core of every CareerForce location and serves as a business office for job seekers and a resource for employers. It features the tools and resources needed to the find a job or make a career change. 

Career Lab Hours:

Woodbury - 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (closed noon - 1:00 p.m.) 651-275-8665

Cottage Grove - No Walk-In | In-person by appointment only 651-430-4162

Forest Lake - 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM Monday | Wednesday | Friday at Hardwood Creek Library 651-275-7265

Career Labs provide:

• Knowledgeable staff
• Up-to-date job listings
• Computer, internet and printer access
• Resume writing
• Career planning
• Community and education resources