Hennepin Tech celebrates Career and Technical Education month, highlights workforce education and industry-specific customized training

Brooklyn Park and Eden Prairie, February 27, 2024

Hennepin Technical College, in conjunction with Minnesota State Colleges and Universities and the Association for Career and Technical Education, is celebrating Career and Technical Education Month in February. The college focuses on workforce education through traditional degree, certificate and diploma programs and customized training solutions to help industry partners train and develop their high-skill, high-wage, in-demand workforce.

“Hennepin Technical College celebrates career and technical education every day!” reflected Alison Leintz, Vice President of Advancement, as she spoke about Hennepin Tech’s dedication to innovation and technology needed for student and workforce success. “Because our programs are designed to meet the workforce needs of high-demand career fields, our industry partners often offer students internships, apprenticeships, or part-time work opportunities that work around their college schedule. This allows students to apply their learning in a real-world work environment while also earning high wages.” Leintz continued. “We are committed to the development of rich learning experiences that allow student to enter the workforce with the knowledge, hands-on skills, and confidence needed for a successful and rewarding careers.”

Melanie Wang, Dean of Workforce Education and Customized Training stressed a similar sentiment when speaking about the options available for industry-specific training, “CTS provides unique pathways for instruction to be delivered as a private cohort to organizations, on their timeline and in the location of their choosing.” Wang mentioned Hennepin Tech’s dedication to workforce education and the Minnesota economy, “We celebrate the opportunity to best serve our local community in delivering educational solutions to help close skills gaps and strengthen the workforce pipeline for years to come.”

The first federal investment in secondary vocational education occurred after the enactment of the Smith-Hughes National Vocational Education Act of 1917.

The Hennepin Tech Office of Advancement manages outreach and Foundation activities. The Foundation was incorporated on October 12, 1998, and received its 501(c)(3) status in 1999. While the Foundation is a separate entity from the college, its sole purpose is to support and advance the work of the college in providing excellence in technical education.

Hennepin Tech’s Customized Training Solutions (CTS) division offers open enrollment and by-contract, custom-built learning and development program, tailored to meet the individualized needs of employers.

About Hennepin Technical College

Founded in 1972, Hennepin Technical College is the largest stand-alone technical college in Minnesota. With campuses in Brooklyn Park and Eden Prairie, the college offers degree and non-degree courses in over 40 programs in the skilled trades and high-demand career fields. Achieving a high job placement rate, Hennepin Tech prepares students for high-paying employment opportunities.