Learn Skills to Train for a New Career
Enroll in training for high-demand fields: automotive, construction, business services and financial industry at no cost.
- Earn industry certificates, college credits and connect to employers with hiring and advancement opportunities.
- Receive stipends or training wages while enrolled in select courses.
Automotive
Automotive Career Paths
- Express lube technician
- General service technician
- Maintenance technician
- Parts counter salesperson
- Service advising/writing
- Tire technician
Learn more and apply
Attend an in-person information session on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month from 2–3 p.m. at our training facility at 635 Prior Ave N, St. Paul, MN 55104.
Contact 651-379-5837 or outreach@gesmn.org.
- 18 years of age or older
- Committed to working in the industry
- Not enrolled in school
- Score at a 7th grade or higher in reading; take a math assessment
- No auto theft convictions in last 10 years
- Physically able to complete auto tasks
- Valid MN driver’s license
- Eligible to work in U.S. (MN ID/DL and social security card)
- MN resident; Twin Cities Metro
- Get started with 10 weeks of training that includes job placement assistance
- Hands-on training in our 5,600 sq. ft., 4-bay automotive training facility; includes approximately 80 hours paid training.
- Instruction in shop safety, engine lubrications, cooling systems, tires, belts, brakes, customer service, technical service information, multi-point inspection and maintenance
- Explore options for advanced automotive careers using virtual reality
- Develop skills in technology using industry platforms and software
- Industry speakers, tours, employer contacts and connections with area colleges
- Assistance with resumes, applications, interviewing, job search, retention and advancement
- Earn industry recognized certificates such as Shop Safety-S/P2 and ASE Entry-Level
- Training hours: Mon.–Fri., 8 a.m.–noon
- Training available at NO COST to eligible students; women are encouraged to apply.
Business
Business Professional Pathways Career Paths
- Administrative assistant
- Medical office
- Insurance claims
- Customer Service
- And more...
Learn more and apply
Contact 651-379-5837 or outreach@gesmn.org .
- 18 years of age or older
- Committed to working in the industry
- Not enrolled in school
- High School Diploma or GED
- Score at a 7th grade or higher in reading and math
- Take typing and computer assessments
- No felonies, misdemeanors decided on a case-by-case basis
- Eligible to work in U.S. (MN ID/DL and social security card)
- MN resident; Twin Cities Metro
- Get started with ten weeks of training that includes job placement assistance
- Interactive online training with your instructor, career navigator and peers
- Explore career pathways and land a job in an office setting
- Learn foundational project management concepts and how to build your career
- Build skills in technology, professional communication, productivity tools and corporate culture through group and independent online learning
- Get insights and guidance from business professionals, employers and industry experts
- Participate in first-round interviews with employers to kickstart your career
- Professional career coaching and assistance with resumes, applications, interviewing, job search, retention and advancement
- Training available at NO COST to eligible students
Construction
Construction Career Paths
- Carpenter
- Laborer
- Electrician
- Finishing trades
- Heavy equipment operator
Learn more and apply
*** Priority given to Ramsey County residents, ages 18-30 ***
Attend an in-person information session on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month from 2–3 p.m. at our training facility at 635 Prior Ave N, St. Paul, MN 55104.
Contact 651-379-5837 or outreach@gesmn.org .
- 18 years of age or older
- Committed to working full-time in the industry
- Not enrolled in school
- High School Diploma or GED
- Score at a 6th grade or higher in reading; 7th grade or higher in math
- Physically able to complete construction tasks
- Able to obtain a MN driver’s license/permit by end of class
- Eligible to work in U.S. (MN ID/DL and social security card)
- MN resident; Twin Cities Metro.
- Priority enrollment for Ramsey County residents ages 18-30
- Explore advanced technology using virtual reality tools
- Industry speakers, tours and employer contacts
- Professional career coaching and assistance with resumes, applications, interviewing, job search, job retention and advancement
- Receive industry-recognized certifications: OSHA 10, MDOT Flagger, Scissors Lift and MC3
- Earn 36 continuing education units and college credit toward Saint Paul College’s Carpentry Diploma program
- Training hours: Mon. – Fri., 8 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
- Training available at NO COST to eligible students, women are encouraged to apply
Financial
Financial Industry Career Paths
- Annuity call center professional
- Credit relations manager
- Financial advising
- Licensed customer service professional
- Investment contact center
- Personal banker
Learn more and apply
Attend a virtual information session on Zoom on the 2nd and the 4th Tuesday of the month, 2-3 p.m.
Contact 651-379-5837 or outreach@gesmn.org .
- 18 years of age or older
- Committed to working full-time in the industry
- Not enrolled in school
- High School Diploma or GED
- Score at a 9th grade or higher in reading and math
- No felonies, misdemeanors decided on a case-by-case basis
- Eligible to work in U.S. (MN ID/DL and social security card)
- MN resident; Twin Cities Metro
- Priority enrollment for Minneapolis residents
- Fast-track your way into the financial industry in 10 weeks.
- Launch your career with Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) certification, a gateway credential to mid/high-level positions.
- Train for a financial services position with salaries starting up to $24-$28/hour; $35/hour with prior work experience.
- Additional incentives for Minneapolis residents including priority enrollment and ability to earn up to a $1,000 bonus
- Learn introductory fundamentals including types of products and their risks, the structure of the securities industry markets, regulatory agencies and their functions and prohibited practices.
- Interactive online training with your instructor, career navigator and peers.
- Training hours: Mon.–Thurs., 9–11 a.m. Additional 20–22 hours/week of flexible, online training that fits your schedule.
- Professional career coaching and assistance with resumes, applications, interviewing, job search, retention and advancement.
- Graduates can start and advance a financial services career in just a few months with our employer partners Wells Fargo, Ameriprise, U.S. Bank, Thrivent, Northwestern Mutual, Bank of America, or Huntington.
- Training available at NO COST to eligible students.
Employer Partners
YouthBuild
YouthBuild
YouthBuild offers hands-on, no cost training in construction or automotive while earning a GED or diploma. Students earn money while accomplishing goals and learn critical job skills to build a bright future. There are more than 225 YouthBuild programs in the U.S. that have participated in building 17,000 units of affordable housing. This program is funded by the Department of Labor.
- Ages 16–24 who are unenrolled in school
- Eligible to work in the U.S. (proof of identity and SSN)
- Willing and able to attend class every day and participate in all parts of the program
- Education: Earn your high school diploma or GED in a fun, hands-on, individualized environment. Earn industry credentials and certificates.
- Automotive or Construction: Learn maintenance, engine lubrications, cooling systems, tires, belts, brakes, and multi-point inspections in our automotive shop. Or learn hand and power tool use, framing, drywall, siding, roofing and deconstruction in our construction shop.
- Leadership: Explore career interests and personal values, set and achieve goals, learn the job skills needed to build a better future.
- Community Involvement: Build affordable housing and volunteer in your community.
- Resources: Help with work clothes, tools, transportation, driver’s education and more. Stipend and bonus checks paid weekly.
- Training hours: Monday-Friday 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
- Training available at NO COST to eligible students.
- Receive support in reaching your goals every step of the way.
This workforce product was funded by a grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration. The product was created by the recipient and does not necessarily reflect the official position of the U.S. Department of Labor. The Department of Labor makes no guarantees, warranties, or assurances of any kind, express or implied, with respect to such information, including any information on linked sites and including, but not limited to, accuracy of the information or its completeness, timeliness, usefulness, adequacy, continued availability, or ownership. This product is copyrighted by the institution that created it.
Learn more and apply
Call or text 612-424-1050 or complete the YouthBuild interest form below:
Goodwill-Easter Seals is licensed as a private career school with the Minnesota Office of Higher Education pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, sections 136A.821 to 136A.832. Licensure is not an endorsement of the institution. Credits earned at the institution may not transfer to all other institutions. Goodwill-Easter Seals is a Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Certified Training Provider. Goodwill-Easter Seals Minnesota has consistently maintained CARF (Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities) accreditation since 1977.
College Navigation
College navigators will guide you in selecting a program of study, provide support through enrollment, and help develop academic strategies for success.
- Help balancing education with work responsibilities.
- Access to assistance with transportation, childcare and housing.
- Guidance navigating tuition and financial resources.
Professional Career Counseling and Job Placement Assistance
Get personalized, flexible job placement services that connect you to hiring employers.
- Explore goals, strengths and interests and plan for a career.
- Prepare for interviews and build personal skills in employment through career-readiness trainings.