Cannabis Workers' Training Program (CanTrain)

Are you interested in starting a career in Minnesota's legal cannabis industry? Minnesota Training Partnership's Cannabis Workers' Training Program, CanTrain, provides industry-focused training, career preparation, and individualized support to help eligible participants prepare for entry-level careers in Minnesota's legal cannabis industry. The program uses the UFCW Cannabis Workers' Training Program Core Curriculum, an IACET-accredited curriculum developed by United Food and Commercial Workers International Union. Minnesota Training Partnership delivers the training locally in partnership with UFCW Local 1189 and cannabis industry partners. 

Participants who successfully complete the Core Curriculum will receive a UFCW Cannabis Workers' Training Program Core Curriculum Certificate of Completion. This pilot cohort combines five weeks of intensive cannabis industry training with additional work-readiness preparation, career navigation, job placement assistance, and continued employment support. 

Cannabis Industry Training participants will complete the UFCW Cannabis Workers' Training Program Core Curriculum and receive career preparation specifically designed for employment in the legal cannabis industry. Training and preparation include: 

• Cannabis industry knowledge and career exploration 
• Cannabis-related workplace professionalism 
• Customer service in dispensary settings 
• Financial literacy 
• Workplace expectations and professional skills 
• Career pathways within Minnesota's legal cannabis industry 
• Preparation for entry-level cannabis employment 
• UFCW Cannabis Workers' Training Program Core Curriculum Certificate of Completion for successful participants 

Minnesota Training Partnership will provide participants with individualized career and employment support, including: 

• Resume development 
• Job application assistance 
• Interview preparation and practice 
• Individualized career navigation 
• Job search and placement assistance 
• Connections with cannabis industry employers 
• Support addressing barriers to employment 
• Continued employment retention support after training 

Minnesota Training Partnership has established an employer partnership with Vireo Health/Green Goods and will continue engaging additional cannabis employers to identify hiring opportunities for program graduates. Employer partners may also participate in classroom activities and meet with participants as part of the program's connection between training and employment. 

Important Dates

• Registration Deadline: Monday, October 12, 2026 
• Orientation: Wednesday, October 14, 2026 10:00am - 12:00pm
• Training Start Date: Monday, October 19, 2026 
• Core Training: Monday through Friday 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM October 19 through November 20, 2026 
• Graduation: Monday, November 23, 2026 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM Training

Training Location: UFCW Local 1189 - 266 Hardman Ave N South St. Paul, MN 55075

Dates: Monday through Friday 9:00am - 3:30pm October 19 through November 20, 2026 

Prerequisites: The program particularly seeks to reach individuals from South Saint Paul, West Saint Paul, Newport, and Saint Paul's West Side, including communities and job seekers who have experienced barriers to training and sustainable employment.

Cost: Free

If you are interested in being part of this training, complete our interest form and a staff member will contact you: https://mntrainingpartnership.org/interest-form-inquiry