St. Cloud Technical & Community College Builds Customized Training Programs for Benton County Businesses

St. Cloud Technical & Community College (SCTCC) is changing how companies and their employees approach training and development. This institution offers several degrees and learning programs but also supports non-degree-seeking students and businesses who are ready to upskill their workers.

“We’re listening to the needs of the community,” says Dan Walter, Training & Outreach Manager at SCTCC. “We have open discussions with business owners and develop classes to fill the skills and knowledge gaps they are looking to close.”

SCTCC has developed a variety of programs ranging from honing technical skills like electrical foundations in manufacturing to improving soft skills like customer service and communication. Learn more about its process and how this institution makes companies in Benton County, Minnesota, more effective and resilient. 

SCTCC Works With Any Organization That’s Ready to Invest in Its People

SCTCC's mission is to provide the education, training, and support necessary for equitable participation in our modern society, economy, and democracy. It carries this mission throughout the community, working with Benton County residents and business leaders alike.

“We meet with organizations of all types,” says Sarah Hansen, Training & Outreach Manager at SCTCC. “We develop programs for non-profits, for-profits, and any organization with an employee. One of the fun things about this job is getting to work with so many different businesses.”

SCTCC organizes its training programs into four main categories: Business and IT, Construction and Skilled Trades, Health and EMS, and Manufacturing and Industry. Its partnerships with local businesses ensure that the curriculum remains relevant and aligned with industry trends. When new trends change the regional business environment, SCTCC responds with new courses to help companies and their teams adapt. 

Any Student Who is Willing Can Grow Their Skills

SCTCC can develop customized training programs for any company to support its workers. An excellent example is when it worked with a local manufacturer to develop coursework that could elevate a select group of its staff to advance in their machinist roles. After passing an initial assessment designed and administered by an SCTCC instructor, participants engaged in a comprehensive training series. The company found the program successful and effective in preparing employees for continued growth.

“Part of skills development involves being open to learning from others,” says Walter. “You need to be willing to listen and receive new information.”

The SCTCC courses that focus on technical skills also have soft skills elements. An employee might take a course on OSHA compliance, electrical work, or machinery, but they will also learn how to approach industry-related problems and take steps to solve them. They can learn how to communicate issues clearly so they can get resolved. This makes participants stronger on multiple fronts. 

SCTCC Shines Because of Its Program Customization

SCTCC stands out as an education leader in Central Minnesota because it works with companies on a one-on-one basis. Walter and Hansen set up preliminary consultations with organizations to discuss their pain points. They then develop tailored training programs to upskill staff. Instead of relying on internal training resources or full education programs, SCTCC can develop plans specifically for the companies they work with.

“I would encourage businesses who haven’t worked with us before to feel comfortable reaching out,” says Hansen. “Even if we find that the organization might not have a need for a customized training plan right now, we can help connect them to other resources within the college that they may be looking for.”

SCTCC frequently works with the Central Minnesota Manufacturers Association, Greater St Cloud Development Corporation, Career Solutions, Benton Economic Partnership, and St. Cloud State University to meet with local business leaders and understand their pain points. This helps them develop relevant programs before community leaders know to ask for them.

“St. Cloud Technical & Community College is an incredible asset to businesses moving to or expanding within Benton County,” says Amanda Othoudt, Executive Director of the Benton Economic Partnership. “By investing in our residents, SCTCC makes the region a better place for businesses, providing more opportunities to the students they teach.”  

Learn More About the Workforce Resources in Benton County

SCTCC is a strong workforce development partner in Benton County because it provides customized training, along with traditional coursework, events, online courses, and networking opportunities. It is one of several higher education institutions in the region. Hiring in Benton County and upskilling your existing workforce is easier because of SCTCC. Along with the educational assets in the region, learn more about the location advantages of expanding to Benton County. We can’t wait to support you.