Anoka County Job Training Center Awarded $250,000 to Build Agriculture Workforce Pipeline

ANOKA COUNTY, Minn. — The Anoka County Job Training Center (JTC) has secured a $250,000 competitive grant from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), positioning the county as a key metro-area leader in expanding Minnesota’s agricultural workforce.

The funding—distributed through DEED’s Minnesota Job Skills Partnership under the statewide Growing Careers initiative—is part of a $2.4 million investment awarded to seven partners across Minnesota. The Anoka County JTC is the only recipient in the Twin Cities metro, underscoring the county’s growing role in developing high-demand agriculture and transportation talent.

Developing a Modern Agriculture Workforce

The Growing Careers initiative is designed to help more Minnesotans—particularly dislocated workers, low-income residents, and individuals needing basic skills support—enter sustainable, long-term careers in agriculture. While the maximum award was $500,000, Anoka County’s approved $250,000 proposal reflects a targeted, evidence-based plan to build a transportation and logistics training pipeline for the region.

DEED data shows that multiple agriculture- and farming-related occupations are projected to grow at above-average rates over the next decade. Employers across the state report increasing demand for specialized transportation roles that support modern farm operations, food distribution, and supply chain logistics.

Program Focus: Transportation, Logistics & Industry-Recognized Credentials

With the new funding, the Anoka County JTC will develop and launch a workforce training program that prepares participants for essential transportation roles within the agriculture industry. Graduates will be able to earn industry-recognized commercial driver’s credentials:

• Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) – Heavy truck and tractor-trailer
• Class B Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) – Light and straight truck
• Hazardous materials (HazMat) endorsement
• Air brake endorsement

These credentials are critical for transporting agricultural goods, propane, equipment, and other specialized materials that fuel Minnesota’s farm economy.

Strategic Partnerships and Wraparound Support

To ensure participants receive comprehensive training and a clear path into employment, the program will be delivered in collaboration with:

• Minnesota Propane Association
• Minnesota Truck and Trainer
• Metro North Adult Basic Education

In addition to technical training, the JTC will integrate wraparound support services, including career navigation, case management, basic skills education, work-readiness training, and job-placement assistance. Retention services will help ensure long-term employment success.

This multi-partner, full-service model aims to reduce employment barriers and connect participants to family-sustaining jobs in transportation, agriculture, and related industries.

County Leaders Celebrate Investment

County officials say the grant will play a pivotal role in strengthening Anoka County’s workforce infrastructure.

“This grant is just the first step in the next chapter of JTC’s journey to continue offering more to our residents and job seekers,” said Anoka County Commissioner Mandy Meisner, who chairs the county’s Human Services Committee. “I’m excited to see this program kick off and watch its success.”

Nicole Swanson, Director of the Anoka County Job Training Center, said her team is eager to implement the initiative.

“Our team is really eager to see where this program takes our department and help the community members who will reap its benefits,” Swanson said.

Building Minnesota’s Future Agriculture Talent

As Minnesota continues to face workforce shortages across the agriculture industry, DEED’s Growing Careers initiative is designed to strengthen career pathways, increase the number of new and emerging farmers, and supply employers with a steady pipeline of trained workers.

With this investment, Anoka County’s Job Training Center will help expand opportunities for residents while supporting one of the state’s most vital industries.

MinneapoliMedia