Local workforce partner outlines hiring and training tools for Sherburne County employers
June 04, 2026 | Sherburne County, Minnesota
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Central Minnesota Jobs and Training Services told the Sherburne County Economic Development Authority on Tuesday that a suite of state and locally delivered programs is available to help employers recruit, train and retain workers.
"My name is Tim Zipo. I'm here from Central Minnesota Jobs and Training Services," said Tim Zipo, who identified himself as a business services coordinator with CMJTS and said he has worked in the region for 33 years. Zipo walked the board through services provided at the Montevideo CareerForce/Monteello Career Force Center partnership and CMJTS support for employers, from labor-market data to on-site job fairs.
The presentation emphasized two employer-facing tools: an on-the-job training (OJT) subsidy for new hires and a talent-development grant for incumbent employees. Zipo said OJT can reimburse employers for about 50% of a new hire's wages for three to six months. He also said a "talent development" program can provide up to $25,000 to Sherburne County companies to upskill existing workers.
The presenter described complementary services: a talent portal of active jobseekers, employer action guides, HR peer groups, youth-apprenticeship toolkits, and partnerships with the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development. He encouraged businesses unsure of eligibility to consult CMJTS staff and DEED workforce liaisons.
Board members asked about demand by sector. Zipo said manufacturing, health care, skilled trades, education and transportation were among the most requested recruitment areas. He also noted scheduled outreach events, including a career-force job fair on June 25.
Why it matters: Local employers cited workforce availability as a top constraint on growth during the meeting. The EDA's role in connecting businesses to subsidy programs and promoting apprenticeships could reduce hiring friction and support local economic expansion.
What's next: CMJTS provided handouts and contact cards; staff said they will link county employers to CMJTS and DEED specialists for eligibility screening and program application support.
Provenance: topicintro SEG 031; topfinish SEG 591.
"My name is Tim Zipo. I'm here from Central Minnesota Jobs and Training Services," said Tim Zipo, who identified himself as a business services coordinator with CMJTS and said he has worked in the region for 33 years. Zipo walked the board through services provided at the Montevideo CareerForce/Monteello Career Force Center partnership and CMJTS support for employers, from labor-market data to on-site job fairs.
The presentation emphasized two employer-facing tools: an on-the-job training (OJT) subsidy for new hires and a talent-development grant for incumbent employees. Zipo said OJT can reimburse employers for about 50% of a new hire's wages for three to six months. He also said a "talent development" program can provide up to $25,000 to Sherburne County companies to upskill existing workers.
The presenter described complementary services: a talent portal of active jobseekers, employer action guides, HR peer groups, youth-apprenticeship toolkits, and partnerships with the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development. He encouraged businesses unsure of eligibility to consult CMJTS staff and DEED workforce liaisons.
Board members asked about demand by sector. Zipo said manufacturing, health care, skilled trades, education and transportation were among the most requested recruitment areas. He also noted scheduled outreach events, including a career-force job fair on June 25.
Why it matters: Local employers cited workforce availability as a top constraint on growth during the meeting. The EDA's role in connecting businesses to subsidy programs and promoting apprenticeships could reduce hiring friction and support local economic expansion.
What's next: CMJTS provided handouts and contact cards; staff said they will link county employers to CMJTS and DEED specialists for eligibility screening and program application support.
Provenance: topicintro SEG 031; topfinish SEG 591.
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