News Archive
News Articles
Success Story: Marmaduke Mounts
Oct 29 2025When Marmaduke Mounts first connected with Rural MN CEP, he was underemployed but determined to create a better future for his family. With prior experience driving tow and box trucks, Marmaduke knew he had the skills — and the passion — to pursue something more. “I like driving!” he shared...
Rural Minnesota Concentrated Employment Program (RMCEP) helps people receiving social security disability benefits learn about their options if they are interested in returning to work. The Ticket to Work program is completely free and voluntary. Anyone who wants to enter the workforce can meet with the team at RMCEP to...
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...
Mark Your Calendars! Discuss, Connect, Reflect: Employer Tools for Fair Chance Hiring • June 9
Jun 3 2025involvement—is a powerful strategy to strengthen your workforce and build a more inclusive economy. This session highlights why it matters, how it works, and the real impact it can make for businesses and communities.Justice-involved individuals often face significant barriers to employment, including stigma, limited access to training and legal restrictions...
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...
The Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber is excited to partner with Golden Path Solutions and other partners across the state to provide employers an online training opportunity to explore work-based learning as a workforce development strategy. Golden Path Solutions partners with North Dakota Career & Technical Education on a system...
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...
Understanding how to support veterans in the workplace is vital to the success of both businesses and communities. For many veterans, the transition from military to civilian employment can be filled with uncertainty, misalignment and unspoken barriers. As employers and community leaders, we have the chance to make that change...
West-Central and Northwest Minnesota Job Seekers Can Attend Job Fair Events in April and May
Mar 26 2025Northwest Minnesota residents can attend regional job fairs hosted by the Rural Minnesota Concentrated Employment Program (RMCEP) during April and May. These career fairs are free for anyone looking for a job or considering changing careers.“One of the nice things about job fairs is you can ask questions of company...
11th Annual High School Welding Contest
Mar 6 2025Sparks flew, and iron melded with iron. But the ones operating the welding torches might not be those you expect.Twenty-seven teenagers converged on the Lynnes Welding Training facility on 3rd Avenue North.Instructors say they’re always passionate about their craft, but putting it in competition form just gives it a little...
Date: Friday, April 25, 2025Time: 1:00 – 4:00 PM (CST)Location: VirtualJoin us for:Employer presentationsCareer fair networking1:1 informational interviewsResume reviewsDownload FlyerRegister Today!
RMCEP Case Aides and Counselors Help Countless Minnesotans Each Year – Here’s What Meeting With Us Is Like
Feb 26 2025The Rural Minnesota Concentrated Employment Program (RMCEP) provides countless resources to job seekers, employers, and residents across the region. We distribute grant funds to support job training efforts and prepare people to enter long-term careers. This supports the greater employment needs of Northwest and West-Central Minnesota by providing a larger...
In the Fall of 2024, the Rural Minnesota Concentrated Employment Program (CEP) received $3.4 million from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) to support career development in young adults with disabilities ages 16-24. This grant will be available for the next four years, allowing RMCEP to help...
January is a great time to recommit to your job search plans.Being the onset of a new year, January can be a fruitful time to apply for positions as many employers put hiring on hold during the holidays.For those looking for work, CareerForce is the state’s official career exploration and...
After 19 years of dedicated employment, I found myself facing a new challenge: unemployment. I decided it was time to pursue something that I had thought about for years, obtaining my CDL license. I had never gone to Rural Minnesota CEP before, but from the moment I walked in the...
Drive for Five: There’s Still Time for Applicants to Receive Grants for Job Training and Education
Dec 19 2024In Spring 2024, the Rural Minnesota Concentrated Employment Program, Inc. (RMCEP) was awarded $750,000 through Governor Tim Walz’s Drive for Five initiative. The money from this program is distributed to partners and individuals to invest in job training or education programs within the five in-demand fields: technology, trades, manufacturing, education,...