Sappi North America's Cloquet Mill Awarded Local Training Grant
SNA receives Minnesota Dual Training Grant for Cloquet Mill
Sappi North America received a $100,000 training grant in September from the Minnesota Office of Higher Education and Department of Labor and Industry. The grant allows Sappi to strengthen the local workforce by providing advanced technical training to employees, while improving functions and safety at its Cloquet Mill. SNA has participated in the grant program six times and continues to offer the opportunity for up to 25 employees each year to join a training cohort. Through the years, this grant has provided on-site training to more than 100 employees. The trainings were developed in collaboration with Lake Superior College to create a sustainable and strategic educational program, including necessary trade-focused, tactical learning, and classroom-based lessons.
“With the help of the Minnesota Dual-Training Grant and Lake Superior College, we can give employees at all levels necessary training in real time that would otherwise not be available,” said Brittany Bonk, Talent Manager, SNA. “We are continuously grateful to the state for their support and for making these opportunities possible for those looking to grow their skills in the manufacturing sector.”
Offered to all levels of employees in the maintenance department, the program aims to teach essential skills and grow employees’ technical knowledge in the electrical and mechanical focus areas. Those participating will be eligible for national certification testing after completion of this year’s program.
“Sappi truly values all of their employees, which shows through their continued investments in building a skilled workforce here in Cloquet,” said Loren Manty, National Conference of Firemen and Oilers (NCFO) Local 939 President and a 34-year employee at the mill. “We look forward to seeing more employees enter the training program as well as continuing to support those who are going on to certify in specific trades.”
“With the help of the Minnesota Dual-Training Grant and Lake Superior College, we can give employees at all levels necessary training in real time that would otherwise not be available.”
Brittany Bonk, Talent Manager, SNA
Read more from Sappi North America's 2019 Sustainability Report here.
