Investing in Local Talent: How Rural MN CEP, Inc. Builds Stronger Communities

By Tina Jaster, Executive Director, RMCEP, Workforce Development Area 2

Every 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, and training providers. We ensure that public workforce dollars are invested strategically so that local businesses can find skilled workers, and residents can access the training and support they need to access pathways to family-sustaining employment.

Last year alone, our board achieved remarkable results:

• We helped 898 jobseekers secure employment in high-demand fields.
• We partnered with hundreds of local employers to create customized training programs, apprenticeships, and upskilling opportunities.
• Through our Drive for Five initiative, 17 residents gained in-demand skills, preparing them for careers in the top five growing industries in our region.

These numbers tell a story—but so do the people behind them.

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 be an excellent fit for him. Anthony enrolled at 160 Driving Academy and successfully earned his CDL on March 11, 2025.

Now, Anthony has been working as a truck driver for just over 90 days. During this time, his wages have increased, and he is receiving longer routes. He is very excited about his future and grateful for the opportunity made possible through this special initiative.

National Workforce Development Month is a time to recognize the transformative power of programs like ours across the country. We call on local leaders, businesses, and community partners to continue supporting workforce development programs that create opportunities for all. By investing in skills training, apprenticeships, and career pathways, we can ensure that NW Minnesota residents are prepared for the jobs of today and the careers of tomorrow.

Workforce development is about more than employment. It’s about building stronger communities, fostering opportunity, and empowering people to reach their potential.

This September, we celebrate the difference our local workforce board makes every day in NW MN through WDA 2, and we invite our community to join us in this work.

Learn more at www.rmcep.com or www.nawb.org.