Find an Office

Staff Training Solutions for Southeast Minnesota Employers

Strong businesses invest in their people. WDI supports your growth with Incumbent Worker Training (IWT)—a powerful, cost-effective way to upskill your existing workforce and prepare for the future.

Whether you’re navigating industry change, implementing new technology, or facing competitive hiring pressures, IWT helps you strengthen from within.

Success Story

“Through a partnership with Workforce Development, Inc. and Bluff Country Collaborative, Harmony Enterprises welcomed Autumn, an aspiring welder enrolled at Minnesota State College Southeast, into a paid on-the-job training experience tailored specifically to Harmony’s welding processes. “

Ready to connect?

Get Started Now

Contact us or the nearest WDI office to get started.

Six people stand in a circle talking on a sunny rooftop, connecting over Bridges to Careers, with trees and buildings in the background.
Two men stand in an industrial room with pipes, discussing equipment and reviewing data on a tablet, highlighting their role in managing the built environment.
Man presenting a flowchart on a flip chart to a group of seated women in a conference room.
Man instructing three people on how to operate a machine in a factory, all wearing blue uniforms.

What is Incumbent Worker Training?

IWT is job-specific training designed for current employees to close skill gaps and support advancement. It’s often partially or fully grant-funded and tailored to your business.

Smiling woman with wavy blonde hair in a beige blazer poses in front of a gray background.
Success Story

“Harmony Enterprises partnered with WDI to implement IWT across HR, engineering, and sales teams—resulting in certifications, cost savings, and stronger internal capacity.”

Woman in orange blazer leans over table, talking to seated colleague in a modern office setting.
Four people with name badges talking and smiling in an empty conference room with chairs and glass walls during staff training.

Why It Works

Upskilling your workforce also positions your company to adapt to new technologies and shifting market needs, giving you a competitive edge in both talent retention and business development.
  • Retain experienced staff and institutional knowledge
  • Improve productivity and morale
  • Reduce hiring costs and increase internal promotion
  • Adapt to changing technologies and industry standards

How We Support You

  • Identify Workforce Needs
  • Build a Custom Training Plan
  • Choose the Right Format – in-person, online, or on-site
  • Partner with Trusted Providers – colleges, trainers, and industry experts
  • Track Success – with measurable outcomes like wage growth and promotion
  • Mentoring opportunities

Get Started with IWT and discover funding options that work for your business.

Staff Training

Customized Staff Training Designed for Your Business

Every business is different—and your training strategy should be too. Workforce Development, Inc. partners with employers to create customized training programs that reflect your industry, workforce needs, and long-term goals. From delivery methods to course content, every detail is tailored to help your team grow.

1. Identify Your Training Needs

We meet with your leadership team to understand your workforce challenges, skill gaps, and future goals.

2. Develop a Custom Plan

WDI helps design a training plan aligned with your industry and staff roles, whether it’s technical training, leadership development, or compliance.

3. Choose a Delivery Format

Training can be delivered in-person, online, or on-site at your business—whatever works best for your team’s schedule and environment.

4. Partner with Trusted Providers

We coordinate with local colleges, training institutions, and subject matter experts to ensure high-quality, effective instruction.

Measuring Success

The impact of Incumbent Worker Training isn’t just anecdotal—it’s trackable. Our programs are built with a focus on measurable outcomes, such as employee skill gains, wage increases, internal promotions, and improved retention rates.

We also help employers evaluate the return on investment by tracking performance data over time. From small wins to long-term transformation, you’ll see real value in the results.

A man presents charts on a large screen during a staff training session to colleagues seated around a conference table with laptops.

Linking Employers with Local Talent​

We connect local businesses with job seekers across Southeast Minnesota. Our team helps streamline hiring, improve retention, and grow your workforce through customized support and labor market insight.

Albert Lea, MN
Austin, MN*
Caledonia, MN
Faribault, MN*
Kasson, MN
Owatonna, MN
Preston, MN
Red Wing, MN
Rochester, MN*
Wabasha, MN

*These Workforce Development, Inc. offices are located within a CareerForce site.

Join a Growing List of Employer Success Stories

WDI has partnered with businesses across Southeast Minnesota to deliver customized training that works. From manufacturers and healthcare providers to tech companies and service industries, our employer partners consistently report improved workforce performance and increased employee satisfaction.
Get Started Now
Smiling man with glasses in a gray blazer and white shirt, holding a closed laptop.
Man with glasses and a beard wearing a black-and-white striped shirt, smiling at the camera.
Smiling person with short curly hair and glasses wearing a white shirt against a light background.
Woman with long dark hair, smiling, wearing a striped shirt over a white top, against a plain background.
Young woman with short red hair, wearing a gray sweater over a white collared shirt, smiling at the camera.
Smiling young man with glasses wearing a mustard yellow sweater against a plain white background.
  • 6853

Staff Training