Forty-one Minnesota companies will share more than $2.1 million in state funding to begin employment-based dual-training for 482 current and new employees as part of the Minnesota PIPELINE Program.

The Dual Training Grants legislation, signed into law in 2015 by Gov. Mark Dayton, was created to give employee-students the opportunity to earn while they learn, while at the same time helping businesses meet workforce needs. Four industries with in-demand, high-growth occupations are eligible to receive grants: advanced manufacturing, health care services, information technology and agriculture.

Of the 41 companies receiving the grants is McNeilus Truck and Manufacturing LLC, in Dodge Center who is working with students from Riverland Community College.

“Whether it’s a certificate or degree, completing some level of a postsecondary education will help an employee be successful at their current job and into the future,” said Commissioner Larry Pogemiller, Minnesota Office of Higher Education. “This program provides the added advantage of providing participants with a paycheck while they learn.”

Twenty-six of the new grants are being awarded to companies located in Greater Minnesota, with 15 in the metro area. Thirty-one of the grants are in advanced manufacturing, one in agriculture, two in health care and eight in information technology.

Employees will earn a wide variety of certifications and degrees as part of this program that will help improve their skills and advance their careers.

“By combining on-the-job training with classroom learning, the PIPELINE Program helps employers develop their workforce,” said DLI Commissioner Ken Peterson. “Apprenticeships and dual-training continue to be great ways to meet workforce needs and have recently seen tremendous growth in the United States. We are excited to continue to support them in Minnesota with this sixth round of grants.”