Jobseekers > Career Pathways Trainings > Advanced Manufacturing Pre-Apprenticeship

Build a long-term, high-wage career in advanced manufacturing.

Join a unique earn-and-learn program that includes paid pre-apprenticeships, college credit, and direct connection to Minnesota's leading advanced manufacturing employers.

Apply Now

NEW cohort starts early 2026!

Training Length
12–18+ months (4 days/week, Monday–Thursday)
Three Stages: Discovery, Earn & Learn, Credentials

Location
Training and work are primarily located in the Bloomington area.

Contact Chan for more information
Email: chan.xiong@hired.org
Phone: (651)-301-2586

Training Benefits

  • Family-Sustaining Wages: Build towards a Technician career track with average industry starting wage $25/hr.

  • Specialized Career Training: Learn about operations in a clean room, microscope use, wafer handling

  • College Credit and Credentials: Coursework at Normandale Community College earning up to 14 credits and the opportunity to test and earn an industry recognized credential.

  • Job Readiness: Resume building and interviewing, job coaching, mentoring, and introductions to employer partners Medtronic and Seagate Technology.

  • Wraparound Supports: Participants receive access to technology, work clothes, fuel, bus cards, and other resource navigation services.

Training Stages

  • Stage 1: Discovery (In Person and Virtual): Jump into career exploration and job readiness training. Learn about advanced manufacturing and clean rooms. Take tours and meet employers, Build customer service, and digital skills.

  • Stage 2: Earn & Learn Pre-Apprenticeship (In Person):
    Get paid to work, learn, and train at an advanced manufacturing company. Employee benefits include health insurance, regular breaks and paid time off.

  • Stage 3: Credentials (In Person): Complete program and coursework. Opportunity to move into a paid Technician Apprenticeship Program with an employer partner.

Enrollment Requirements


High School Diploma/GED

Solid math, reading, computer, and communication skills

Available 10-hour days for work/coursework

Ability to walk/stand for prolonged periods

Work in a cleanroom environment with gowning attire

Reliable transportation to Bloomington area

Household at or below 200% poverty income level

From an underrepresented community and/or experiencing long-term unemployment

Industry employment is subject to a criminal background check. Inquire for more information.

 How to Apply

1. Complete an application.
Fill out the application below and email it to Career Pathways.

Download Application

2. Attend an information session. Join an online sessions via an email invitation to learn more about trainings, schedules, and next steps.

3. Work with Hired to develop an Individual Employment Plan
A Hired staff member will connect with you 1:1 to review your eligibility, discuss your goals, and finalize your employment plan.

You will be notified about selection into the program, moving toward the initial Discovery stage.

“I have a lot more confidence in my problem-solving abilities after this training.”
— Michael, Advanced Manufacturing Participant

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This unique program is a powerful collaboration between the State of Minnesota, leading technology manufacturers, and our educational partner.

The State of Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) funded (or funded in part) this training through a grant. The grant recipient created this training. DEED does not endorse this publicity or training or make guarantees, warranties, or assurances of any kind, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, completeness, timeliness, usefulness, adequacy, continued availability or ownership of the information herein or elsewhere.