Photo of Douglas, who now has his CDL thanks to RMCEP

Douglas got on the road to a new career after age 60

Career transition can be a stressful experience for anyone. The task can be incredibly intimidating for people in their 60s. When Douglas was laid off from a process support position at that age, he knew he wanted to keep working but was unsure what to do next. That’s where the Dislocated Worker Program through CareerForce and the Minnesota Rural Concentrated Employment Program (RMCEP) came in. Read Douglas's story.

photo of Carol, who finished her Medical Assistant degree at 60

Carol is proof that perseverance pays off in pursuing the right career path

At age 61, Carol accomplished a career goal she had set for herself a 15 years ago. She earned her degree and now she is working in health care providing care to patients. Carol started her journey in 2007, attending school to become a Licensed Practical Nurse  (LPN), but stopped to work full time. Read Carol's story.

photo of Jeremy who successfully completed the MnDOT-DEED highway construction training program

"It felt like it was meant to be" Jeremy finds perfect new career path

Jeremy had worked for many years in the hospitality industry, but when COVID hit and the corporate travel business dried up, he was let go from his hotel job in December of 2020. He had grown accustomed to making a good living with his previous employer and he was feeling a bit depressed and scared at the idea of starting over in a new career. After he filed for Unemployment Insurance, he learned about of the Highway Heavy Construction Training & Placement (HHCTP) Program from DEED’s Sylvia Garcia and thought it could be a good fit for him. Read Jeremy's story.

photo of MD who found work thanks to training made possible through Dislocated Worker program

A new career path in middle age

MD immigrated to the U.S. with his family when he was middle aged. He immediately found work at airports on the east coast, then moved to Minnesota to help open and run restaurants. When the pandemic hit, he was laid off and at first didn't know where to turn for help. Through Unemployment Insurance, he was connected with CareerForce and the Dislocated Worker program. He received funding to attend a computer service desk course and landed a job after his first interview. Read MD's story.

photo of Brenda, who utilized CareerForce in her successful job search

After pandemic-related layoff, Brenda finds fulfilling work

Brenda utilized many CareerForce services following a job loss during the early days of the pandemic. Now, she is working in great job that fits her skill set, thanks to support from family, friends, former co-workers and many others plus CareerForce assistance, including education paid for through the Dislocated Worker program. Read Brenda's story.

Tim, wearing a dress shirt and suit jacket in front of U.S. and Minnesota flags

Minnesota Veteran finds an ideal employment fit

Army National Guard Veteran Tim was laid off from his job as a business development specialist at a sign and print shop during the pandemic. Rebecca Kaas, Veteran Employment Representative at CareerForce Marshall, helped him identify his career options and launch a successful job search. Read Tim's story.