HTC Awarded $2.6 Million Grant for Biotech Training

HTC has been awarded a $2.6 million grant from the U.S. Department of Labor to train Minnesota workers for biotech manufacturing jobs in fields such as medical devices, biologics, biopharmaceutical, and renewable materials. HTC will train about 350 individuals and will partner with workforce development organization HIRED for recruitment and assessment of participants. In-class training which began in late August at HTC will last nine months followed by threemonth apprenticeships at selected companies. Participants will include displaced, unemployed, and incumbent workers. We’re proud of the role the college will play in preparing workers for opportunities in growing industries,” said Dr. Cecilia Cervantes, HTC president. “Highly trained workers are an asset to employers, the industry, and the state of Minnesota.” The money HTC received is part of $125 million in community-based job training grants distributed to 41 community colleges and organizations by the U.S. Department of Labor to prepare workers for employment in high growth and other emerging industries.

“The biotechnology industry needs highly skilled and qualified individuals in order to grow,” said Katherine Sellner, director of health sciences and biomanufacturing for HTC’s Customized Training Services. “This training will provide Minnesota workers with the fundamental skills to participate in that growth.”

For more information, contact Katherine Sellner at 952-995-1343 or Katherine.Sellner@HennepinTech.edu