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If you’re looking for a high-demand job in an exciting career in Minnesota but you don’t want to break the bank paying for training, you’ve come to the right place.

Keep reading to discover how on-the-job training can help you land an awesome job in a growing industry like manufacturing, carpentry, plumbing, machining, and electrical engineering.

How Job Training Can Help You Shift to an In-Demand Career

Getting a technical degree, diploma or certificate can be an expensive exercise, which is why it’s so exciting that a growing number of American companies are investing in on-the-job training programs and apprenticeships, as well as tuition reimbursements.

This means that the barrier to entry for a lot of awesome, in-demand (and well-paying) jobs is lower than ever.

As more and more trades workers retire and new technologies shake up operations and give rise to new in-demand skills, the labor market is struggling to keep up with the demand for skilled workers.

Do you know what that means for you?

Opportunity.

It means that qualifications and even experience don’t matter, as long as you’ve got the right attitude, you learn quickly, and you’re willing to put in the work. Given the fact that a bachelor’s degree at a four-year college in the United States can set you back as much as $127,000 and saddle you with crippling debt, taking a training opportunity – that’s not only free but actually pays you – seems like a no-brainer.

What’s more, the fact that a company is willing to invest in its employees by providing ongoing training and support is usually a pretty good indicator that it’s a good place to work.

Earning while you learn puts you in a position to support your family without needing to work a job while studying part- or full-time, and because the training is hands-on and takes place within the context of the industry, you’re likely to learn much faster and learn your industry’s current best practices. You’ll also be able to start building your network in the industry much sooner, which can lead to recommendations, future job opportunities, and other benefits that you wouldn’t necessarily gain in a classroom setting.

8 High-Demand Jobs with On-the-Job Training

Below, we’ve rounded up 8 high-demand job openings with paid training opportunities in the Twin Cities, Minnesota.

1. Production Associate at Andersen Corporation in Bayport, MN

Job Description

Andersen Corporation in Bayport, Minnesota is looking for a Production Associate to work on a production team to manufacture high-quality windows and doors.

Anderson Corporation offers tuition reimbursement and a $1,000 hiring bonus.

Salary or Hourly Rate

The starting wage is $16.45-$21.46 per hour. Shift differentials are 6% for the second shift and 9% for the third shift.

Location

100 4th Avenue North, Bayport, Minnesota

About the Company

Andersen Corporation is the largest window and door manufacturer in North America. Founded in 1903, Andersen is an international corporation with over 8,000 employees.

Whether you are a recent graduate or simply seeking a more fulfilling career, Andersen could be your career home.

At Andersen, you build something lasting… your career in sales, engineering, supply chain management, RD&I, production, leadership… wherever you want to go.

Consider becoming part of our highly collaborative yet richly challenging culture. Let’s work together to create advanced engineering innovations that transform how the world experiences windows and doors.

Education

  • Must have a high school diploma or GED for full-time opportunities.

Required Skills and Experience

  • Basic computer skills.
  • Ability to read and understand reports and a willingness to cross-train on several operations.
  • Dependability and punctuality.
  • Desire to learn skills on the job in a fast-paced environment.

Physical Requirements

  • Ability to lift up to 50 pounds, perform tasks requiring repetitive motion and stand for long periods.

Day-to-Day Responsibilities

  • Have a strong sense of accountability—and an equally strong sense of teamwork
  • Be able to work in a safe manner and follow safe work practices and policies. Help ensure co-workers are working safely and following safety requirements.
  • Follow all applicable procedures, Standardized Work, Control Plans, and Product Specifications.
  • Support and participate in Employee Engagement activities.
  • Follow defined clean-up times.
  • Engage in cross-training to maintain flexibility and adaptability to support resource planning.
  • Work to an established rate as defined by customer demand and Standardized Work.
  • Operate Power Industrial Trucks (PIT) and other material handling equipment as required.
  • Operate manufacturing equipment and use hand tools as required.
  • Participate in defining and improving standard work
  • Identify problems; communicate issues to Work Center Leads and Supervisors.
  • Support a respectful workplace.
  • Perform other duties across the plant as needed as directed by supervision or management.

Benefits

  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Professional development
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Paid holidays
  • 401(k) plan participation
  • Flexible spending accounts
  • Short- and long-term disability insurance
  • Employee assistance program
  • Life insurance and AD&D
  • Parental leave

Apply Now

2. Carpentry Apprentice at Paul Davis Restoration in Saint Paul, MN

Job Description

Paul Davis Restoration in Saint Paul, Minnesota is looking for someone to work under direction from the Production Team as an Apprentice Carpenter. The Apprentice Carpenter will learn standard entry-level carpentry methods and techniques. The work is accomplished in an on-the-job situation and is supplemented by ongoing support and training.

Salary or Hourly Rate

Compensation is evaluated on a yearly basis effective from the start date of employment of each calendar year. An annual reward planner (ARP) is completed at that time. Promotions and advancement within the position bring progressively greater challenges, learning, responsibility, and compensation.

Location

475 Cleveland Avenue, Saint Paul, Minnesota

About the Company

For years, Paul Davis Restoration of Greater MSP has solved disaster restoration by providing 24-hour emergency service to restore calm amidst chaos resulting from flooding to fires and frozen pipes.

At Paul Davis Restoration, we provide extraordinary care while serving people in their time of need. We do this by providing opportunities to GREAT people who deliver Best in Class Results.

We are looking for "A" Players who Respect the individual, deliver what they Promise, and have Pride in what they do, while practicing continuous Improvement, to join our team.

Since 1966, Paul Davis has been an industry leader in the areas of property damage mitigation, content restoration, and reconstruction. With more than 370 offices in our franchise network, the company serves residential, institutional, and commercial customers and clients across the United States and Canada.

From flooding to fires and frozen pipes, Paul Davis responds with 24-hour emergency service to restore calm in the most chaotic of events. We are here to serve in every capacity, providing excellent customer service and a quality end product. We continually strive to maintain excellence and experience that is second to none. Passion for quality drives everything we do.

Education

  • High school diploma or equivalent.

Required Skills and Experience

  • Some carpentry experience is a plus, but not required.
  • Highly organized.
  • Ability to multitask and prioritize.
  • High-level communicator.
  • Dependable transportation.
  • Cell phone.
  • Professional dress.
  • Driver’s license.

Day-to-Day Responsibilities

  • Follow blueprints and building plans to meet the needs of clients
  • Install structures and fixtures, such as windows and molding
  • Measure, cut, or shape wood and other materials
  • Construct building frameworks, including walls, floors, and doorframes
  • Help erect, level, and install building framework
  • Inspect and replace damaged framework or other structures and fixtures
  • Perform finish work involving light electrical, plumbing, and HVAC

Benefits

  • Opportunity for overtime
  • Leadership Development Program
  • 401(k) participation
  • Paid time off
  • Team environment
  • Great company culture
  • Health insurance
  • Opportunity for industry certifications

Apply Now

3. Plumbing Apprentice at Bonfe in South Saint Paul, MN

Job Description

Bonfe in South St. Paul, Minnesota is looking for a Plumbing Apprentice to perform plumbing maintenance and repair on residential systems.

Salary or Hourly Rate

$18 per hour starting salary

Location

455 Hardman Avenue South, South St. Paul, Minnesota

About the Company

Bonfe is family-owned with a great culture based on exceptional customer service. As one of the largest residential service companies in the metro area, we set the bar for quality work you can trust.

Bonfe prides itself on customer service, to both external customers and its own employees. The company's focus is to take care of its employees so they can take care of the customers, and everything else will take care of itself.

Required Skills and Experience

  • Entry-level
  • A positive attitude
  • A neat and groomed appearance

Physical Requirements

  • The ability to work long hours during extreme heat and cold.

Day-to-Day Responsibilities

  • Maintaining and fixing customers' plumbing systems while educating them on efficiency and safety opportunities.

Benefits

  • Four-year onboarding and training program to become a plumbing technician
  • Medical and dental insurance
  • Paid vacation, holiday, and PTO
  • 401(k) with company match
  • Company vehicle that you can take home
  • Gas card benefit
  • Company-provided uniforms
  • Cell phone and iPad

Apply Now

4. Assembler at Graco Inc. in Rogers, MN

Job Description

Graco Inc. in Rogers, Minnesota is looking for an Assembler to assemble and pack both sub-assemblies and completed assemblies.

Salary or Hourly Rate

$16 per hour first shift; $17 per hour second shift

Location

20500 David Koch Ave, Rogers, Minnesota

About the Company

Graco, Inc. is the leading provider of premium pumps and spray equipment for fluid handling in the construction, manufacturing, processing, and maintenance industries.

Graco was proud to be named a Best Place to Work in Manufacturing and Production by Fortune Magazine in 2016, 2018, and 2019. Opportunities exist for development and career progression as well as attractive benefits packages.

Day-to-Day Responsibilities

  • Maintain required work efficiency and productivity on assigned work station/assembly position. Monitor daily quality of assemblies and communicate any discrepancies.

Benefits

  • Volt-sponsored benefits initially: health, dental, vision, life, and short-term disability insurance
  • Weekly pay with $0.50 per hour increase after six months
  • Referral bonuses
  • As a Graco employee, you are eligible for:
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Group discounts off vehicles, cell phone service, paint, and more
  • 401(k) plan with company matching contribution as well as an Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Apply Now

5. Production Operator at Red Wing Shoe Company in Red Wing, MN

Job Description

Red Wing Shoe Company in Red Wing, Minnesota is looking for full-time Production Operators interested in working in a fast-paced, hands-on manufacturing position.

Regular working hours for the first shift:

Monday-Thursday 6:00am-3:00pm; Friday 6:00am-12:00pm

Regular working hours for the second shift:

Monday-Thursday 4:00pm- 2:30am

*Overtime may be required which could extend these working hours, including Friday and Saturday.

Salary or Hourly Rate

The first shift starting wage is $17.30 per hour with advancement potential up to $20.90 per hour after 18 months. The second shift starting wage is $18.17 per hour with advancement potential up to $21.95 per hour after 18 months.

Location

135 Cannon River Avenue North, Red Wing, Minnesota

About the Company

Excellence is a standard that transcends the test of time. For over a century, Red Wing purpose-built footwear has been at the spearhead of innovation in the standard of excellence for work boots.

Every day, our American Boot Builders proudly put their hearts into building and delivering remarkable, purpose-built products that will make an impact on people's lives today and future generations. Build a product you'll be proud to stand behind. Build your legacy at Red Wing Shoe Company.

Required Skills and Experience

  • Experience working in a safe and efficient manner with demonstrated attention to detail.
  • Demonstrate dependability regarding attendance, attitude, and work ethic.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of commonly-used concepts, practices, and procedures within the manufacturing field.
  • Previous experience in woodworking, auto repair, industrial sewing, carpentry, or other manufacturing skills is preferred but not required.

Physical Requirements

  • Ability to lift/carry up to 40 pounds, frequently stand, twist, bend, grasp, work in a fast-paced environment.

Day-to-Day Responsibilities

  • Operate a machine as part of a production process
  • Participate as a member of a team to achieve common goals
  • Remain flexible and adaptable to changing production demands; operate different machinery as production needs change.

Benefits

  • Robust benefits package.

Apply Now

6. Pre-Apprentice/Machine Apprentice at UMC in Monticello, MN

Job Description

UMC is offering a Pre-Apprentice/Machine Apprentice position in Monticello, Minnesota. The apprentice works numerous areas of the machine shop training on the machines, systems, and processes under machinist guidance. He/She observes and/or performs hands-on work based on the mentor's comfort level on apprentice’s comprehension of safety, quality, and demonstrated good work ethics to perform tasks.

Salary or Hourly Rate

Competitive

Location

500 Chelsea Road West, Monticello, Minnesota

About the Company

UMC is a non-union contract manufacturing shop making medical and aerospace parts with extremely tight tolerances and parts smaller than the palm of your hand.

Education

  • Completion of a one-year or a two-year machinist program or registered to start the first year of a machinist program.

Required Skills and Experience

  • Displays strong mechanical aptitude, cultural adeptness, willingness to learn/grow within the company, commitment to two-year machining degree or similar education path, long-term commitment to a career in machine trades.

Day-to-Day Responsibilities

  • Manage a reasonable work schedule that doesn’t affect grades, performs assigned tasks from mentor safely with good quality ratings, and reasonable productivity output.
  • Good communication with manager on current grades, work status, and scheduling conflicts with school work
  • Work with the facility manager and mentors on how to operate various machines in the organization
  • Exhibit a working knowledge of health and safety, responsible for safety awareness, while upholding and improving the culture of safety within the organization. Identify opportunities for improvement and take action if appropriate, before a problem occurs. Report potential hazards, unsafe working conditions, unsafe equipment, unsafe acts, and injuries immediately
  • Other tasks as assigned

Benefits

  • Employee Development: UMC strongly encourages employees to grow both personally and professionally by pursuing educational opportunities. UMC may provide reimbursement to employees who take outside courses leading toward a degree, certification, or license.
  • Profit-Sharing: A discretionary portion of UMC’s profit is set aside and distributed to employees quarterly if the company has reached its profit & performance goals.
  • Time Away from Work: UMC feels that a work-life balance is important and offers paid time off (PTO) upon hire, and paid holidays based on an observed holiday schedule.
  • Health Insurance: UMC offers two different plans, intended to qualify as a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) that are paired with a Health Savings Account (HSA).
  • Health Savings Account (HSA): UMC’s high deductible plans are complemented with an HSA which is a tax-free account that allows employees to save money to pay for eligible health care expenses. The plan also includes an annual employer contribution.
  • Dental Insurance: UMC offers a dental plan which includes two networks that provide preventative and diagnostic services.
  • Retirement Benefits: Employees can choose to invest in their retirement by contributing a portion of their gross wages, per IRS regulations to their 401(k) account.
  • Disability: If an employee is unable to work due to illness or injury, UMC offers Short-Term and Long-Term Disability plans.
  • Life Insurance: UMC offers Basic Life Insurance and AD&D, along with a Voluntary life insurance plan for the employee, spouse, and dependent children.

Apply Now

7. Production Technician at General Mills in Chanhassen, MN

Job Description

Within General Mills in Chanhassen, Minnesota, our manufacturing facilities are committed to achieving zero human and food safety incidents and it is every employee’s responsibility to fully support this vision. We are seeking skilled Production Technicians to become members of a growing manufacturing team.

Product Technicians are responsible for the handling of ingredients, materials, and finished products within the manufacturing facility.

Schedule:

Day Shift is 6:00am-6:00pm, Night Shift is 6:00pm-6:00am.

Team Concept as you always work with the same people.

We follow an on-off pattern: 2 on followed by 2 off, 3 on followed by 2 off, 2 on followed by 3 off. The cycle length is 2 weeks.

General Mills provides 26 weekends off per year. Provides 182 days off per year, not including 3 weeks’ vacation and 11 holidays.

Salary or Hourly Rate

Starting pay is $17.30 per hour (+$0.80 an hour for night shift differential). Upon successful completion of the orientation period (90 days), this increases to $21.63 per hour (+$0.80 an hour for night shift differential). You are eligible for overtime once you have completed 1 certification (approx. 45 days).

Location

8000 Audubon Road, Chanhassen, Minnesota

About the Company

General Mills is reshaping the future of food. As one of the leading food companies, we operate globally and market more than 100 consumer brands, including Cheerios, Nature Valley, Yoplait, and more.

General Mills is reshaping the future of food. We believe food makes us better. It nourishes our bodies, brings us joy, and connects us to each other. As one of the world's leading food companies, General Mills operates in more than 100 countries and markets more than 100 consumer brands, including Cheerios, Nature Valley, Betty Crocker, Yoplait, Annie's Homegrown, Old El Paso, Epic Provisions, Blue Buffalo and more. Are you passionate about the future of food? You've come to the right table. We want the very best talent to help lead something big.

Education

  • High school diploma or GED

Required Skills and Experience

  • Must be 18 years of age or older. Must have the ongoing right to work in the U.S. without sponsorship.
  • Must have or be willing to obtain a forklift license.
  • Proficiency in basic computer skills.
  • Willing and able to work any shift schedule, including nights and weekends.
  • Willing and able to adhere to all safety standards and wear all necessary personal protective equipment.
  • Willing and able to adhere to all grooming requirements necessary for a food manufacturing environment.
  • Preferred Qualifications: 1+ years of experience in a manufacturing environment.
  • Demonstrated leadership ability.

Physical Requirements

  • Must be able to lift 50 lbs. Must be able to perform physical tasks for extended periods of time including standing, walking, climbing, bending, pushing, pulling and twisting over surfaces.

Day-to-Day Responsibilities

  • Follow all company safety policies and procedures to ensure a safe working environment
  • Follow standard operating procedures to operate various pieces of high speed and/or high tech processing and packaging equipment
  • Troubleshoot problems with machinery and partner with maintenance staff to resolve issues
  • Calibrate processing and packaging systems daily to meet required specifications
  • Participate in start-up, change over, and shut down of operating equipment
  • Perform changeovers and End of Run cleans including disassembly and reassembly of necessary equipment
  • Be responsible for executing all required HACCP/quality processes and documentation
  • Participate in Continuous Improvement initiatives in order to increase platform performance
  • Diagnose and troubleshoot problems in equipment operation
  • Assists in training new employees
  • Attend meetings and training as required
  • Perform additional related tasks as assigned

Benefits

  • Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
  • Pet insurance
  • Legal plan
  • Other benefits

Apply Now

8. Electrical Tester at Design Ready Controls, Brooklyn Park, MN

Job Description

Design Ready Controls in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota is looking for an Electrical Tester to perform electrical functionality testing on control panels per documentation.

Salary or Hourly Rate

Discussed in person

Location

9325 Winnetka Avenue North, Brooklyn Park, Minnesota

About the Company

Design Ready Controls leads the control panel industry in engineering capabilities, process efficiencies, national presence, and responsive service.

Education

  • Wellness initiatives
  • Training programs
  • Community involvement
  • Growth opportunities
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • 10%–30% growth year-to-year over the last 15 years

Required Skills and Experience

  • A technical degree is strongly preferred.

Day-to-Day Responsibilities

  • Assist in establishing and implementing best work practices
  • Perform programming of control boards and VFD drives/loading of PLC programs
  • Rework/repair of faulty components/circuits
  • Perform low and high voltage wiring as needed
  • Inspect electrical control panels per schematic/BOM
  • Identify opportunities for improvement based on inspection and test results
  • Verify software
  • Complete QC documentation and problem resolution logs
  • Read, understand, and utilize various engineering and manufacturing documents including bills of materials, assembly drawings, assembly instructions, wiring schematics, and diagrams
  • Begin to develop electrical troubleshooting aptitude
  • Identify and relay errors to coworkers in a professional manner
  • Ensure all changes are documented properly and turned in for corrections

Benefits

  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Pipeline grant
  • Partnerships with Hennepin Technical College and North Hennepin Community College
  • Health, dental, life, short-term and long-term disability
  • 401(k)
  • PTO

Apply Now

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