The Dual Training Grant program provides grants that generate collaborative and strategic educational solutions between employers and related instruction training providers across Minnesota. The dual-training model helps employers meet their workforce needs by pairing on-the-job training with formal related instruction to create a robust learning environment resulting in skilled employees and enhanced company culture.
Program highlights from 2025 include:
- Dual Training Grant funds are available for 94 validated occupations among seven industries.
- Nearly all (96%) of related instruction costs (tuition, fees, books, and materials) were paid for by the Dual Training Grant and Grantees (employers)
- Employers in Greater Minnesota, who contracted with the Dual Training Grant, account for 63% of grant awards.
- 66% of dual trainees who participated in the most recent Dual Training Grant round (Round 12) were enrolled in dual-training programs that were eligible for federal and/or state financial aid.
- According to data from the Minnesota Statewide Longitudinal Data System (SLEDS), wage growth signifies a positive impact of the program on the participants’ earnings. The median hourly wage at exit from the Dual Training Grant program was $24.61 ($2.45 increase) and at one year after exit was $27.46 ($5.30 increase).
- According to SLEDS data, 82% of dual trainees were still employed in their original industry at exit from the program. One year after exit from the program, 73% of participants were still in their original industry.
