January 4, 2021

January 4, 2021 – Northland’s Workforce Development Solutions (WDS), formerly known as the Center for Outreach and Innovation, has been reinvented to meet the needs of the region. To better serve its constituents, WDS has established a consortium with other Minnesota State colleges to broaden the expertise and instructors available to the WDS. Currently, WDS provides professional training, certification, and continuing education courses for more than 3,000 students annually. Additionally, they partner with businesses in Minnesota and North Dakota to develop customized training curricula to aid workforce advancement.

“To expand our capacity, Northland has partnered with northwest Minnesota regional colleges to share resources and instructors,” shares Director of Workforce Development Kirsten Michalke, “Primarily, this provides greater access to customized, instructional expertise for our industry partners when we develop classes for their employees.”

WDS partners include Central Lakes College, Minnesota State Community & Technical Colleges in Detroit Lakes, Fergus Falls, Moorhead, Wadena, and Alexandra Community & Technical College.

Along with a new name, WDS has launched a new website and developed some original courses for the new year, some that are set to begin starting in January 2021. The modern website will be the hub for WDS class listings and course registration. This site is the go-to resource for individuals and businesses to seek workforce training solutions.

“We are excited to launch some new classes in 2021. For example, we have an on-demand online CAD course that is supplemented with personal instruction by Northland faculty. Individuals can register when most convenient for them and have access to materials and an instructor,” explains Michalke, “In addition, we are launching an interactive Leadership Zoom series for individuals working from their home or office in February. These leadership sessions will be engaging and provide applicable skills to use in your place of work and in your life.”

Individuals or businesses interested in exploring Northland’s Workforce Development Solutions training options should visit www.northlandcollege.edu/wds for full details on services and courses offered.