Business

Workforce & Education

Kandiyohi County’s workforce includes a full range of education, skills and global perspective.

With more than 42,000 people, Kandiyohi County has experienced steady growth over the last two decades, with an unemployment rate consistent with the state rate.

Nearly 60 percent of adults in Kandiyohi County have attended college or earned a post-secondary degree, and many employees in the county are bilingual.

Access to educational opportunities is key in providing a skilled workforce, and Kandiyohi County is well-positioned to provide that. In addition to the quality education provided by the various school districts, Kandiyohi County is home to Ridgewater College, a growing two-year community and technical college that is part of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system.

Ridgewater not only provides more than 100 educational programs in transfer and technical education, but also offers Customized Training and Continuing Education (CTCE) courses. With more than 17,000 participants each year, Ridgewater CTCE delivers more than 80,000 hours of training annually to provide comprehensive workplace training solutions to businesses and organizations in West Central Minnesota.

In 2017, CLUES launched a Latino Workforce Initiative partnership with Ridgewater College, Bethesda and CentraCare – Rice Memorial Hospital. The first initiatives are focused on Certified Nursing Assistant and welding training for Latinos along with employment support and other wraparound services.

Central Minnesota Jobs & Training Services, Inc. also provides quality training and job placement services to Kandiyohi County.

Are you a job seeker? Check out area job openings listed with the Willmar Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce or CareerForce.

Click here to download our education flyer. The EDC is also an active partner in hosting In-person and Virtual job-fairs. If you would like to be on our contact list when we are organizing these events please contact us.

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