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March 22, 2004New 1-800 number provides point of access for customized workforce training for Minnesota employersMinnesota State Colleges & Universities provides flexible, industry-specific training Contact: Nancy Conner, (651) 296-0541, nancy.conner@so.mnscu.edu Employers throughout Minnesota now can call a new toll-free number to be connected to affordable, industry-specific customized training programs. By calling 1-800-366-7380, companies of all sizes can obtain information and access to training from Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System. The system established the toll-free number to improve business access to customized training that is flexible, cost-effective and on target with business goals. Each year, the colleges and universities provide customized training to 140,000 employees from 6,000 Minnesota employers in a wide variety of industries. "The core of what we provide is education, but our work has a far-reaching impact on businesses across Minnesota," said James H. McCormick, chancellor of Minnesota State Colleges and Universities. "Employers can harness the power of our system for workforce training, leadership development, productivity and quality enhancement to align with their business objectives to stay competitive in a dynamic marketplace." The 32 colleges and universities in the system often work together to deliver the best possible training solution. In addition to a selection of standard courses, colleges and universities can develop customized services to address an employer's unique operational or market challenge. Training can be designed and delivered on site, on campus or online. "Each of our colleges and universities has customized training operations that may be reached locally, but the new 1-800 number provides one more point of access for employers into our system," said Michael Murphy, associate vice chancellor for strategic partnerships and workforce development. "We are continually enhancing our resources to better serve customers and will pull in expertise from around the state to match employers with the services they need." System colleges and universities work with a broad range of employers, from smaller organizations to Fortune 500 companies, with examples including Abbott Northwestern Hospital, 3M, Wells Fargo, Medtronic, Target, Minnesota Society of CPAs, Arctic Cat, Tastefully Simple, AC Delco and Possis, Inc. Examples of current training include aptitude and skill assessment, business ethics, e-commerce, intercultural communications and occupational English, leadership, health care certification and manufacturing technology. The Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System comprises 32 state universities and community and technical colleges serving the higher education needs of Minnesota. The system serves about 240,000 students per year in credit-based courses and an additional 130,000 students in non-credit courses. # # # |
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