RMCEP News
Northwest Region Blog
The presence of such industry powerhouses as Polaris, Arctic Cat and New Flyer make Northwest Minnesota a hub of transportation equipment manufacturing.
From wheat and potatoes to soybeans and sugar beets, the region is a major producer and processor of food staples and specialty agricultural products. Click here to view the blog.
News Articles
The Rural Minnesota Concentrated Employment Program (CEP) has eight locations across Northwest Minnesota. This allows local career advisors to immerse themselves in the community and really get to know the students and young adults who live there.Supporting job seekers in the region is a team effort, but you might encounter...
By Tina Jaster, Executive Director, RMCEP, Workforce Development Area 2Every year, RMCEP connects hundreds of residents to jobs, skills training, and career opportunities. These investments don’t just change lives, they strengthen our local economy, helping businesses grow and our community thrive.Our board serves as a bridge between employers, jobseekers, educators,...
For Immediate ReleaseView of the Current Job Search Environment in NW Minnesota[DETROIT LAKES, MN] - Rural Minnesota Concentrated Employment Program (RMCEP) and DEED staff along with other Northwest Minnesota workforce development professionals serve thousands of job seekers every year and offer a great sense of the current regional job search...
Rural Minnesota Concentrated Employment Program (RMCEP) now provides career services to people re-entering the workforce after involvement in the justice system. The Second Chances, Stronger Futures program is made possible through a $30,000 grant issued under the Perkins statute and through a partnership with the REWIND Center and Perham 180.“At...
RMCEP Success Story: Habib Abu
Aug 5 2025Habib Abu, a husband, and father of 4 living in Moorhead, wanted to be a diesel mechanic. He came from Kenya with a high school education and worked in the United States as a driver until he decided it was time to begin his education. He came to RMCEP seeking...
Anthony Mondor was laid off in November 2024 and decided to pursue his CDL because he loves traveling and had prior experience driving side dumps.After discussions with the Wadena RMCEP team and completing the intake process with his job counselor, it was determined that the Drive for Five program would...
Minnesota residents ages 14-24 can participate in the Minnesota Youth Program (MYP) during the summer months. Starting in June and running through early August, participants can receive job placements to explore potential career paths while earning money. This program is available in all 19 counties supported by the Rural Minnesota...
Any employee in Northwest Minnesota who was recently laid off can find support and resources at the Rural Minnesota Concentrated Employment Program (RMCEP). Visit your nearest location to find potential job leads, work on your resume, and learn about opportunities to grow your skills or complete certifications.“Everyone is eligible to...
The Rural Minnesota Concentrated Employment Program (RMCEP) is committed to meeting local workforce needs while helping students get the right education and training to pursue their desired careers. One way it accomplishes this is by sending career advisors to local schools. This allows students to receive personal learning plans that...
I always knew I wanted to be a trucker since I was a kid. Growing up watching them go by hearing their air horns was so cool, but in my earlier years I had my priorities mixed up. Years of dead-end jobs, and many jobs lost. It wasn't until 2024...
The average jobseeker may find it difficult making a connection between dairy farmer and diesel mechanic. For Michael Anez, however, it was a natural transition.“We were always working with the mechanics who came to work on the tractors at our dairy farm,” said Anez. “They convinced me to look into...
As a Career Advisor and Youth Service Coordinator with CareerForce Moorhead, Deb Grant helps youth learn about job possibilities as they exit their high school years. One key to that process, Grant said, is exposing students to opportunities they never knew existed.“We tell kids anything is possible, but one student...