Area Development
Minneapolis-based Kraus-Anderson Construction Co., which also has facilities in Duluth, Circle Pines, Rochester, and Bemidji, Minnesota, has been awarded a $197,000 Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development grant under its Job Skills Partnership to train 337 employees in its workforce.

Kraus-Anderson and Century College will jointly develop three new training modules in virtual design and construction; innovative construction products and technology; and mobile technologies and leadership skills. All employees will receive training as part of their required professional development. Training will be held both at the worksite and the college's Afton, Minnesota, Training Facility.

The goal of MJSP is to work strategically with businesses and educational institutions to train or retrain workers, expand work opportunities, and keep or expand high-quality jobs in the state. The latest grant will support advanced training at Century College for Kraus-Anderson employees, including project managers and assistants; technicians; craftworkers; and clerical staff.

"This grant partnership is a great example of Minnesota companies, training institutions and the state working together to customize training to fit business needs," said DEED Commissioner Katie Clark Sieben. "In addition, Century College will benefit by the development of new courses applicable to the construction industry as well as other industries, and create a construction career pathway with secondary schools."