Building pathways to employment and economic growth

Central Minnesota Jobs and Training Services (CMJTS) has been connecting job seekers and employers for over 40 years, working to strengthen the regional workforce and helping individuals find meaningful employment while supporting local economic growth. 

On Tuesday, March 31, CMJTS will host the 21st Annual Central Minnesota Career Fair at Monticello High School, from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.  

Founded in 1984, CMJTS is a nonprofit employment and training agency and a key partner in the state’s CareerForce system. The organization offers a wide range of workforce development services to both job seekers and employers. 

“CMJTS is designed to be a one-stop place where people can come and get assistance in their time of job search, whether it be their first, next, or last job,” stated CMJTS Business Service Coordinator Tim Zipoy. “It’s also a place where business and industry can find, train, and keep talented employees.”   

CMJTS has held an office in Monticello for over 20 years, serving the labor market needs of Wright and Sherburne Counties. Programs include services for dislocated workers, youth, vocational rehabilitation, veterans, adult basic education training, and career navigation.  

“All services are free,” said Zipoy. “We’re here for the public. We want to be a part of people’s career success story.” 

CMJTS not only serves individuals, but many resources are also available for area businesses, some of which include incumbent worker funds which provide up to $25,000 available for business and industry to train and upskill their current staff.

Youth Services

The CMJTS youth program serves ages 14 to 24, partnering with area school districts. Services include summer camps devoted to career exploration, hands-on experience, and on-the-job training opportunities. 

“An organization can get a portion of a new hire’s wages reimbursed from CMJTS through grant funds and fundraising endeavors. We are able to reimburse companies up to 50 percent of wages for typically three-to-six months, which helps organizations with bottom-line investments and onboarding expenses, including new-hire training costs,” said Zipoy.

CMJTS can also act as an employer of record, allowing first-time workers to get real working experience while gaining knowledge and job skills. “It helps young people get their first job and work experience,” said Zipoy. “As of late, we are running deep into all kinds of apprenticeship opportunities, both for youth and adults.” 

Professional Development

Among CMJTS’s many programs and services are opportunities for career advancement and networking. 

On Tuesday’s, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., CMJTS facilitates an online professional development group for people who are experienced in their careers, such as leaders and managers, offering ways to connect and inform each other of the employment landscape. 

CMJTS offers a Human Resources group that meets the second Thursday of each month. The group holds discussions on a variety of HR topics, including health insurance, training, retention, compensation, and employment law. 

‘Work Wright’ Radio

Every Monday, from 10:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., Zipoy hosts a live radio show on KRWC called “Work Wright,” which promotes jobs, careers, and advancement opportunities in Wright County. The show is rebroadcast Monday afternoons from 3:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. 

“Wright County is an exporter of labor,” said Zipoy, citing that many folks living in Wright County travel to the metro for employment. 

Zipoy highlights that a major benefit of living and working in Wright County is work/life balance. 

“We like to snag those people who are leaving Wright County and tell them to look at all the great jobs here. You can save time, save money, have a high quality of life, and spend less time on the road. People are looking for opportunities closer to home.” 

Central Minnesota Career Fair 

A variety of area businesses and employers will attend the Central Minnesota Career Fair.

Zipoy gives credit to Wayne Anderson (retired) who worked in business services with MN Department of Employment and Economic Development as being instrumental in establishing the Central Minnesota Career Fair, now in its 21st year. 

“The purpose of the Career Fair is to connect workforce talent with the opportunities they are looking for while supporting local business and industry,” stated Zipoy.

Industries represented include manufacturing, transportation, healthcare, education, social services, construction and skilled trades, retail, business services, hospitality, and military. 

“We live in a cyber world,” said Zipoy. “The Career Fair is a unique opportunity to meet face-to-face and have one-on-one connections between employers and employees, offering a chance to make a personal connection in the cyber world we live in today.”  

Workforce Development Representative with MN Department of Employment and Economic Development Adam Deters highlighted that some companies attending the career fair are looking to fill a variety of positions.

“Some of these companies are not just looking to fill one or two positions, they’re looking to hire for several openings, in some cases over ten plus.”

Monticello based Ultra Machine Company (UMC) is a local employer who will be attending the career fair. Grant Renner, a representative with UMC, stated, “We’re looking for people who want to start a career in the trades. We’re a metal manufacturing company and looking for people who are local, want to be part of our community, and join a strong company. The job fair is a place for employers and employees to meet and have conversations in a non-interview setting.”  

Sponsors of the Career Fair include CMJTS, MN Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), KRWC Radio, and Wright County Economic Development Partnership.

“The job market is competitive right now,” said Zipoy. “We are seeing more and more employers tightening up their hiring a bit; it depends on various industries.”

Zipoy offers advice to those planning to attend the career fair. “Do some research on the companies who are coming, get your resume together, get your elevator speech together so that you can feel good, look good, smell good, and shine your brightest.”