[ST. PAUL, MN] – Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan are recognizing Workforce Development Month by highlighting efforts to connect more Minnesotans to high-growth, high-demand jobs through job training and workforce development programs. The state's Dual Training Grant program has now been expanded to include the child care industry, providing $450,000 to support the training of dozens of new child care workers.

"As a top state for business, health care, and manufacturing, there are so many opportunities for people to enter high-demand, family-sustaining careers in Minnesota," said Governor Walz. "We've expanded on-the-job training and workforce development to grow our economy and build a strong, competitive workforce."

"When we invest in workforce development and job training programs, we create economic opportunity for Minnesotans across the state," said Lieutenant Governor Flanagan. "These programs are charting pathways for people in Minnesota to succeed in high-growth industries, from clean energy to health care."

The Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) and its business and nonprofit partners strive to connect all people who need work to the employers who want to hire them. These efforts are supported by additional state investment in training to bring more Minnesotans into the labor force.

Workforce development efforts include:

• The Drive for Five Fund to create a pipeline of workers who are skilled and prepared to pursue employment in five high-demand career areas.
• The Clean Economy Equitable Workforce program to help underrepresented Minnesotans enter careers in the high-demand fields of construction, clean energy, and energy efficiency.
• The Transformative Career Pathways program which provides job skills training, work readiness, internships, work experience, on-the-job training, and job placement for Minnesotans.
• The Dual Training Grant program to help employers meet their workforce needs by creating on the job training programs for employees.
• Removing college degree requirements for state jobs.
• Growing the education workforce through teacher apprenticeships, teacher mentorship programs, and special education grants.
• A record expansion of child care grants to create new child care slots across the state to serve working families.

"Together, Minnesota's workforce development professionals are helping to build the future of Minnesota's workforce," said DEED Commissioner Matt Varilek. "Our workforce development strategy is starting to have a real-world impact as initiatives are implemented across the state, and we're excited to keep this momentum going for the people of Minnesota."

"We're focused on preparing workers for employment in high-growth sectors that offer career pathways with family sustaining wages," said Marc Majors, DEED Deputy Commissioner of Workforce Development. "Recent historic workforce investments will create more opportunity and have significant impact for years to come – and that's good news for all Minnesotans."

Many workforce development professionals will come together on September 12 in Duluth for the Minnesota Workforce Summit, sponsored by DEED.

"Successful worker training takes partnership. Everyone benefits when employers invest in education and skills training for workers," said Nicole Blissenbach, Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry commissioner. "We've seen proven results from apprentices in state registered apprenticeship programs who earn a good salary as they train to become highly skilled professionals and tradespersons. The department's Dual-Training Pipeline and Youth Skills Training programs also support workers in an earn-and-learn model."

"Part of making Minnesota the best place for families is ensuring every child receives a quality education. We're building the best teaching workforce in the nation by expanding career pathways for new teachers and investing in programs to retain and support our teachers so that they can grow and thrive," said Education Commissioner Willie Jett.

"From grants that support on-the-job training to free college tuition for Minnesotans, we are making vital investments in our state workforce," said Minnesota Office of Higher Education Commissioner Dennis Olson. "Our efforts are providing workers with the tools they need to succeed, connecting employers with highly skilled job candidates, and bolstering our state's economy. All of which ensures we are building a state where everyone has an equal opportunity to thrive."

"A dynamic and growing workforce is vital for the economic success and growth of Minnesota," said Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation Commissioner Ida Rukavina. "Our workforce development program facilitates partnerships with businesses and industries to enhance career exploration programs, develop tailored workforce training solutions and promote career pathway initiatives that encourage non-traditional students to enter high-demand fields. In addition, we are investing in housing, outdoor recreation, downtown revitalization, broadband connectivity and childcare services, all of which are instrumental in drawing new workers and families to the region."

"Developing the workforce of the future is critical," said Human Services Commissioner Jodi Harpstead. "We must work together to enhance and sustain high-need areas like direct support professionals in the caring careers field to help care for the aging and people with disabilities in Minnesota."

Highlighted resources during Workforce Development Month:

• Access the agenda for the Minnesota Workforce Summit, which brings together key stakeholders from Minnesota's workforce development system on September 12 in Duluth.
• Find career exploration, job search, and hiring assistance at a CareerForce location near you or by calling 651-259-7500.
• View Workforce Development Month resources including success stories and blog posts focused on specific areas of Minnesota from DEED's regional labor market analysts.
• Access the new Creative Job Search guide, an updated version of this award-winning resource for career explorers and job seekers.