By Annie Baxter

Minnesota Public Radio News

ST. PAUL — When Sallie Malmstrom lost her job as an equipment designer in 2009, she instantly knew her next step would be to seek more training.

Malmstrom, 52, wanted to increase her knowledge of project management and technical writing — and receive formal acknowledgement of her skills.

“I just needed to have the certification, because it seemed that people are more interested in having a piece of paper to look at,” she said.

Malmstrom applied for re-training funds at her local workforce center in Eden Prairie and quickly got the green light. More than a year after finishing school, she found a temporary gig. She doubts the training landed her the work. But once on the job, her new skills helped her successfully lead a big project on a tight deadline.

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