FastTRAC and Workforce Education

FastTRAC

FastTRAC is a collaborative effort between the State of Minnesota and the Joyce Foundation to provide greater opportunities for low-skilled and/or low-wage adults by developing integrated career pathways. It is designed to increase basic and occupational skills, helping adult learners acquire credentials that can lead to family-supporting wages.

SPCLC participates in several current FastTRAC programs, involving St. Paul College, the Ramsey County Workforce Investment Board, Goodwill Easter Seals, St. Paul Public Housing, and others:

• The Medical Careers Pathway is an integrated model that culminates in a 17-credit Medical records Clerk Certificate through St. Paul College.
• St. Paul Public Schools ABE coordinates a career pathway designed to prepare learners for entry into the child development field.
• St. Paul Public Schools partners with the City of St. Paul and Inver Grove Community College on an Emergency Medical Services pathway.

SPCLC provides minigrants to four members - CLUES, Hmong American Partnership, Minnesota Literacy Council, and Neighborhood House - to help them develop curricula and prepare low level learners for entry into career pathways. Other SPCLC members continue to revise and update curricula to help lower level learners prepare for entry into career pathways.

Workforce Education

Workforce Education offers on-site assistance to businesses, labor organizations and education providers interested in establishing English as a Second Language and basic skill classes tailored to meet the needs of their employers. Workforce Education is part of Saint Paul Public Schools ABE, an SPCLC member.

Workforce Education provides employers with essential skills training for their employees including English as a Second Language, reading, basic math, writing, workplace expectations, oral communication skills, problem solving and computer usage.

Education programs are customized to fit the needs of the employer and their employees including supervisory training, conflict resolution and team building. Such programs lead to higher employee retention; greater efficiency, profitability and performance; improved communication among supervisors and their workers; and better use of equipment and technology.

Information is available at at 651-290-4796.