Employment & Workforce Services

Twin Cities Job Support for Immigrants, Refugees & Low-Income Residents

This page provides information about free and low-cost employment and workforce services available in the Twin Cities (Minneapolis–Saint Paul, Minnesota). The organizations listed here support immigrants, refugees, new Americans, and low-income adults with job readiness, job placement, training, and career advancement.

Most services are free and designed to help people enter or advance in the workforce.

Who These Employment Services Are For

These organizations commonly serve:

  • Immigrants and refugees
  • New Americans and recent arrivals
  • Adults with limited English proficiency
  • Low-income job seekers
  • Individuals seeking their first U.S. job
  • Workers looking to improve skills or credentials

You do not need to be a U.S. citizen for many employment services, though work authorization may be required for job placement.

Types of Employment Services Available

Services may include:

  • Job search assistance and job placement
  • Resume writing and interview preparation
  • English for the workplace
  • Career coaching and career pathways
  • Skills training and certifications
  • Employment readiness workshops
  • Support finding apprenticeships or internships
  • Employer connections and hiring events

Each organization offers different services — contact them directly for details.

Employment & Workforce Organizations

💼 Job Readiness, Placement & Career Support

  1. International Institute of Minnesota
    Provides employment services, career training, credential evaluation, and job placement for immigrants and refugees.
    Website: https://iimn.org/
  2. Arrive Ministries – Employment Services
    Helps refugees and immigrants with job readiness, placement, coaching, and employer connections.
    Website: https://arriveministries.org/
  3. HIRED (Hennepin County)
    Employment services including career coaching, training, and job placement for job seekers in Hennepin County.
    Website: https://hired.org/
  4. CareerForce Minnesota
    Statewide workforce centers offering job search help, training referrals, resume assistance, and unemployment support.
    Website: https://www.careerforcemn.com/
  5. Goodwill-Easter Seals Minnesota
    Job training, career services, and employment support for people facing barriers to employment.
    Website: https://www.goodwilleasterseals.org/

🧰 Workforce Training & Skill Development

  1. Avivo
    Employment services, job training, and career advancement programs for individuals facing employment barriers.
    Website: https://avivomn.org/
  2. Summit Academy OIC
    Construction and skilled trades training leading to high-demand careers, primarily serving communities of color.
    Website: https://summitacademy.org/
  3. Project for Pride in Living (PPL)
    Employment training and career services alongside housing and family support programs.
    Website: https://www.ppl-inc.org/
  4. Twin Cities RISE!
    Intensive job training and career placement for adults seeking long-term employment and advancement.
    Website: https://twincitiesrise.org/
  5. EMERGE Community Development
    Career training, job placement, and support services for Minneapolis residents.
    Website: https://emergecd.org/

🌍 Employment Services for Immigrants & New Americans

  1. COMSA-MN (Community Services Agency of Minnesota)
    Employment readiness, job placement support, and workforce navigation for immigrants and refugees.
    Website: https://comsamn.org/
  2. CLUES – Employment & Training Services
    Workforce development, job training, and career support for Latino communities.
    Website: https://clues.org/
  3. Hmong American Partnership (HAP)
    Employment services, training programs, and career pathways for Hmong and other immigrant communities.
    Website: https://hapmn.org/
  4. African Career, Education & Resource Inc. (ACER)
    Workforce development, job readiness, and employment support for African immigrants and refugees.
    Website: https://acerinc.org/
  5. Karen Organization of Minnesota
    Employment assistance, job readiness, and career support for Karen and other immigrant communities.
    Website: https://www.karenorganization.org/

📍 Public & Community Employment Resources

  1. Ramsey County Workforce Solutions
    Job search assistance, training programs, and employment resources for Ramsey County residents.
    Website: https://www.ramseycounty.us/workforce
  2. Minneapolis Employment & Training Program (METP)
    Job training, placement, and career services for Minneapolis residents.
    Website: https://mplsmetp.org/
  3. Saint Paul Workforce Development
    Employment and training programs supporting Saint Paul residents and employers.
    Website: https://www.stpaul.gov/departments/planning-and-economic-development/workforce-development

Cost & Eligibility

  • Most services are free
  • Some training programs may have eligibility or income requirements
  • Work authorization may be required for job placement
  • Services are often available regardless of immigration status for job readiness support

Always ask about eligibility when contacting an organization.

How to Use This Page

  1. Review the organizations listed above
  2. Identify the type of employment help you need
  3. Contact the organization by phone or website
  4. Ask about enrollment, schedules, and language support

If you are unsure where to start, CareerForce Minnesota or a community-based organization can help guide you.

Language Support & Accessibility

Many employment organizations offer:

  • Multilingual staff or interpreters
  • English-friendly registration and services
  • Workplace English classes
  • Flexible schedules and virtual options

Tell the organization if you need language support — they are used to helping people at all levels.

Important Notes

  • Job placement may depend on work authorization
  • Training programs may take several weeks or months
  • Some programs focus on specific industries (healthcare, construction, IT, manufacturing)

Need Extra Help?

If you are struggling to find work or don’t know where to start:

  • Contact a community-based organization on this list
  • Visit a CareerForce center
  • Ask a social service provider or community leader for guidance

These organizations exist to help you succeed in the workforce.

This document is a community guide and does not replace official program information provided by individual organizations. We are here to empower you with tools