Workforce

The Central Minnesota region population is rapidly shifting with projections showing that over 60% of the population in our area will be over 55, which means a declining workforce, putting pressure on business to recruit and retain employees.

Bridges Career Academies and Workplace Connection is a collaborative solution to preparing and retaining the areas next generation workforce. This program provides a free-flowing communication link between K-12 and higher education institutions, employers and communities; focusing on two areas of development for students.

The Career Academies is a sequence of courses focusing on career pathways that begin in high school and are taken for dual college and high school credit. Curriculum is developed through collaboration with Central Lakes College instructors, high school instructors and industry representatives. 

The Workplace Connection, coordinated by the Brainerd Lakes Chamber, is an intermediary between schools and business to integrate work-based learning through a Career Exploration Day, Job Shadowing, and Internships.