What is Short-Term Training?

woman standing by open door in front of classroom

What is Short-Term Training?

There are many types of short-term training. Short-term training provides an opportunity to develop or expand a specific skill to grow employment connections. Or it can be a collection of skills and knowledge to support a new career.

Short-term training programs frequently adjust to the changing demands of the job market. This means that classes are updated often.

How Long Does Training Take?

Short-term training takes one year or less. Classes to build a specific skill may occur once or twice per week for a limited period of time. Comprehensive certificate and diploma programs are full-time for a few weeks or months. Even full-time training has flexible schedules for you to manage work and family while gaining new skills.

Minnesota offers many types of short-term training. The information below will help you identify which type is right for you.

Credit-Based Certificate and Diploma Programs

Industry Certifications

  • What is this? Certifications are often offered by national or regional organizations that specialize in particular fields or technologies. Some occupations may require a license or registry.  
  • Who can take this training? Everyone 16 and older. Some occupations may have specific eligibility requirements, including a background check. 
  • Why this training? • Flexible scheduling options – many classes are “open enrollment” throughout the year. • Depending upon the certification, you may not need a high school diploma to enroll.  • Demonstrates to an employer you have the skills needed for a job.  • Use to advance your career. • Part of your education. • May qualify for specific financial support.
  • How do I find this training? Minnesota State Workforce Solutions offers many non-credit courses that train for industry certifications.  You may need to take a test as part of the course or after completion of the course to receive certification or a license.

Certificates (Non-credit)

  • What is this? A series of courses for a specific set of skills. It often applies to one or more industries.
  • Who can take this training? Everyone 16 and older. Anyone seeking employment or career advancement. 
  • Why this training? • Focused on a specific set of skills or training. • Often do not require a formal industry test but may require demonstration of skill growth. • Flexible scheduling options – many classes are “open enrollment” throughout the year. • Demonstrates training to an employer. • Use to advance your career. • Part of your education. • May qualify for specific financial support.
  • How do I find this training? Minnesota State Workforce Solutions offers many non-credit courses that award certificates.

Seminars and Workshops

  • What is this? Fast and flexible training on a specific skill or topic.
  • Who can take this training? Everyone 16 or older.  Anyone seeking employment or career advancement.
  • Why this training?  • One day to a few weeks of training focused on a specific topic or skill area. • Awarded continuing education units (CEU’s) upon completion. • Demonstrates training to an employer. • May qualify for specific financial support. 
  • How do I find this training? Minnesota State Workforce Solutions offers many seminars and workshops.

Basic Skills Training

  • What is this? Learn basic math, reading, writing, or computer skills through classroom instruction. 
  • Who can take this training? Everyone 16 and older. Anyone seeking employment or career advancement.
  • Why this training?  • Many jobs require workers to have basic skills. • These skills are a required pre-requisites for credit-based college programs. • Flexible scheduling options – many classes are “open enrollment” throughout the year.
  • How do I find this training? Minnesota State Workforce Solutions offers many non-credit courses that teach basic skills.  You can also find Adult Basic Education (ABE) courses that teach basic skills.

Adult High School Diploma and GED

  • Standard Competency-Based High School Diploma
    • What is this? Complete through an approved adult basic education (ABE) program.
    • Who can take this training? Adults who do not have a high school diploma or GED.
    • Why this training? • Many jobs require a high school diploma or GED. • Most short-term training requires a high school diploma or GED. • Helps you get admitted into college.
  • Test-Based High School Equivalency Diploma (GED)
    • What is this? Test that shows you have competencies equivalent to a high school graduate.  An ABE program can help you prepare for the test. 
    • Who can take this training? Adults who do not have a high school diploma or GED.
    • Why this training? • Many jobs require a high school diploma or GED. • Most short-term training requires a high school diploma or GED. • Helps you get admitted into college.
    • How do I find this training? Take the test online or at a local ABE program. Request GED diploma from the Minnesota Department of Education.

An apprenticeship is short-term training that takes two-to-four years of combined on-the-job training and classroom instruction. It allows you to earn a salary while learning a skilled craft or trade.

Apprenticeship programs are open to anyone with a high school diploma or anyone who is actively pursuing a GED.

Benefits of apprenticeship include: