Out-of-work Minnesotans and others seeking more training or certification in high-demand jobs will be able to take free online classes through a new program underwritten by the state.
The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) has partnered with California-based Coursera Inc. to offer training and coursework from more than 200 schools around the world, including the University of Minnesota.
It is the first time the state has taken an active role in training so many people at once.
"It's a relief effort response in response to COVID-19, but I have no doubt it's going to shape our thinking about online learning and how we prepare a 21st -century workforce," Hamse Warfa, DEED's deputy commissioner of workforce development, said in an interview.
DEED officials said that any state resident, including undocumented workers, can take advantage of 3,800 classes related to a broad range of industries as well as topics of personal interest or self-improvement.
Minnesotans who have applied for unemployment insurance this year have already started receiving instructions about how to enroll in the program. While aimed at those who lost jobs or wages as a result of the pandemic, the courses are open to anyone seeking to enhance their job prospects and learn new skills.
Enrollment is open through Sept. 30 at CareerForceMN.com/Coursera. Courses will be free through March 31, and they will be available for a fee after that.
The state will spend less than $250,000, Warfa said, and will not limit the number of applicants. Access to the classes through the Coursera platform typically costs $410 a year, he said.
