 U.S. Senator Tina Smith was in Brainerd today to hear about the workforce development programs going on at Central Lakes College. As a member of the Senate Education Committee, Smith was interested in the Bridges Career Academy and Workplace Connection program in Brainerd. During her first visit to CLC, she was also able to speak with students and staff about their current trade programs. These programs help guide Senator Smith as she works on legislation that addresses the skills gap in Minnesota. They're doing such a great job at Central Lakes College in connecting students and businesses to jobs through the programs that they're offering here. I really know that that's what we need to do more of in Minnesota. Moving and expanding vocational education and career and technical education is just paramount when all of these companies are struggling to fill the jobs that they're creating. The stop in Brainerd was just one in a series of meetings the Senator has planned for this week. If you enjoyed this segment of Lakeland News, please consider making a tax-deductible contribution to Lakeland PBS.