Area Development
The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development awarded a $235,000 grant under its Minnesota Job Skills Partnership to Minnesota State College – Southeast Technical to train more than 200 employees of Northern Engraving in Spring Grove, Minnesota. The intensive training program will enable the company to expand operations and increase its workforce by 80 employees.

Northern Engraving, founded in 1908, is a leading supplier of nameplates and decorative trim to a variety of markets. The company has five U.S. production facilities and is headquartered in Sparta, Wisconsin. “The customized training provided by the Minnesota Job Skills Partnership Program creates an opportunity for workers to advance their careers and allows Northern Engraving to expand their Spring Grove operations,” said DEED Commissioner Katie Clark Sieben.

According to the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, MSC-ST will work with Northern Engraving to develop a comprehensive technical and Lean training program for 227 employees, including 80 new hires. New production workers will be trained to use plant-specific job aids before they begin work on the factory floor. Some employees will receive Operational Leadership training, and about 25 employees will participate in 20 hours of Microsoft 2013. All courses will result in hour-based certification.