SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — The city of Sioux Falls is putting more focus on training and developing workers who are already in the community.

The Argus Leader reports that years of trying to recruit workers from other areas hasn't put much of a dent in the city's workforce needs.

The city's homegrown workforce development strategy last year used efforts such as a program that connects nonviolent felons with job opportunities. Other efforts that received grant funding included programs offering workplace skills and other training to refugees and immigrants. Another aims to expose students and others to construction trades.

Community Development Director Darrin Smith says preliminary results include dozens of people who have received job training or placement and hundreds more exposed to potential opportunities.

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