The Hennepin experience
In 2013, county leaders projected a looming workforce shortage due to a wave of county employees reaching retirement age. The timeline below shows the ways funding, policy, and programs intertwined to create Hennepin County’s Pathways program.
PDF (2 pages, 1MB)
Current Hennepin County Pathways
Building Operations Technician
Prepares graduates for a career in residential or commercial building care and maintenance.
- Length: 8 months
- Career fields: facilities engineering, operations, and maintenance
- Program partners: Project for Pride in Living and Minneapolis College
Human Services Representative
Participants build computer and professional skills to prepare for Human Services positions. These positions all involve helping community members navigate county benefits.
- Length: 9 months
- Career field: Human services
- Program partners: Project for Pride in Living and Normandale Community College
Office Specialist
Eight-week training offered twice per year in partnership with Project for Pride in Living.
- Length: 8 weeks
- Career fields: Customer service and administrative
- Program partners: Project for Pride in Living
Operator Apprenticeship with Hennepin Energy Recovery Center
Apprenticeship graduates are offered full time employment at the Hennepin Energy Recovery Center to gain hands-on experience in welding, working in confined spaces, and general machine maintenance.
- Length: 9 months
- Career fields: Heavy equipment operation, facilities, and maintenance
- Program partners: Project for Pride in Living and Heavy Metal Academy
