Otter Tail County program helps residents overcome job barriers
Nearly 100 Otter Tail County residents have entered a job-barrier program since July 2024, and Rita went from no paid work since age 16 to a CNA job in Perham.
Nearly 100 Otter Tail County residents have been referred to the county’s Empowered Worker Program since July 2024.
Workforce Navigator Amy Johnson focuses on transportation, technology, training supplies and other needs that can stop a person from moving ahead.
A single mother who had not held paid employment since she was 16, Rita explored several options through job shadowing before earning her certified nursing assistant credential in March 2025. She began working at a nursing home in Perham in April and is now continuing her studies toward becoming a registered nurse. Through the program, Rita received gas cards, Walmart gift cards, scrubs, a laptop, tuition assistance, books, school supplies and individualized workforce and college navigation. Rita had shown motivation to build family economic self-sufficiency for herself and her children.
Julian came to the program aiming for emergency medical response and firefighting. After starting an EMT course, he earned certification by March, is preparing for a national exam and already has a job offer pending certification. Julian also received a laptop, a cell phone, transportation support and training supplies.
Josh, who was referred through DWI court, is working toward becoming a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor after restoring his driver’s license and returning to school at M State.
The county launched the effort with a $250,000 Drive for 5 grant from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development on March 28, 2024. DEED’s Drive for 5 initiative funds training and employment programs in caring professions, education, manufacturing, technology and the trades, all aimed at family-sustaining careers in in-demand fields. Otter Tail County later added a $96,000 DEED Growing Careers Agricultural Workforce Grant to extend the model into agriculture and ag-related work.
The available workforce is shrinking, the population is aging and the skills gap is widening. Otter Tail County aims to reach untapped and underused talent and build a pipeline of workers for local employers, from Fergus Falls and Perham to smaller communities across the county.
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