SUMMIT’S NEWLY-TRAINED FOOD MANUFACTURING WORKERS CAN EARN $20 AN HOUR STARTING WAGE AND A CHANCE TO PROVIDE FOOD FOR OTHERS
[Minneapolis, MN] – Applications are being accepted now for the February 27, 2023 start of Summit Academy OIC’s new Food Manufacturing training program, which offers North Minneapolis residents a chance for a career that starts at an average of $20 an hour and provides benefits, including healthcare and a retirement plan.
“This is going to be a life changer for people,’’ says Leroy West, president of Summit. “Food manufacturing employers tell us they are in desperate need of workers. We have responded. Our Food Manufacturing students will get the skills they need to, not only earn a living wage, but begin a career path with some of the largest employers in the Twin Cities. We’ve never offered anything like this.’’
Summit’s new program is the result of a partnership with 4 Access Partners (4AP), nonprofit partnership that includes General Mills, Second Harvest Heartland, Kowalski’s Markets, and Cargill, Inc., which focuses on fostering an “economically-sustainable food industry that elevates the entire local community.”
The new seven-week training program is offered at no cost to students. Participants will also have daily access to industry professionals, who will serve as instructors.
“That’s a real benefit right off the bat,’’ says John Mendesh, a General Mills retiree and co-founder of 4AP. “Having direct access to potential employers gives Summit students a foot in the door. And, once you’re in the possibilities only grow. Entry-level food manufacturing jobs can lead to fulfilling career paths, including roles in Maintenance, Food Safety & Quality, as well as leadership roles in supervision and management. And, of course, one thing we know is that food manufacturing isn’t going anywhere. It is an industry that will always be with us.”
Working in the food industry also provides a sense of contribution to something larger, more important, says Judy Dudziak, a General Mills retiree and 4AP volunteer.
“When you work with food, you’re helping provide life-giving sustenance for other individuals and families. There’s something special about that kind of work,” says Dudziak.
Applications and more information are available at saoic.org.
About Summit Academy OIC
Summit Academy OIC is an accredited, nonprofit Career and Technical Education (CTE) Institute located in North Minneapolis. Summit offers specializations and industry certifications for in-demand careers in Information Technology (IT), Construction, and Medical Administrative Assistant, delivering academic rigor alongside marketable skills and connections to employers. Our mission is to empower individuals to develop their ability to earn and become contributing citizens in their communities and economic drivers of the State of Minnesota.
About 4 Access Partners (4AP)
The mission of 4 Access Partners is to strengthen local communities by connecting experienced food industry professionals with promising local food entrepreneurs and individuals seeking life-changing opportunities in the Food Industry. 4AP focuses on raising up underrepresented members of local food ecosystems, with a focus on female- and/or BIPOC-led companies, and envisions a thriving, economically-sustainable food industry that elevates the entire local community.