our workforce is the most important driver of economic growth.
Without access to a workforce whose skills are aligned with business needs, or if access to training for new and existing workers is not available, businesses will not develop or expand in our communities. Minnesota needs K-12 schools that prepare students to successfully continue their education or join the workforce, and higher education and workforce training programs that are aligned with our economic needs.
The GMNP supports Employer-driven job training programs that give employers the flexibility to provide workers with the skills they need to fill open positions quickly and efficiently.
Key job training programs we're tracking:
- Greater Minnesota Job Training Incentive Program (JTIP) – provides grants to employers for a portion of the training costs incurred in hiring new employees. This program was funded at $2.6 million over the 2023-2024 biennium and ongoing.
- Minnesota Job Skills Partnership Program (Partnership Program) – supports Minnesota businesses who partner with an accredited Minnesota educational institution. Grants of up to $400,000 are awarded to the educational institution to develop and deliver custom training specific to business needs. A cash or in-kind contribution from the participating business must match the grant funds on at least a one-to-one basis. This program was funded at $8.3 million for 2023-2024 and ongoing.
- Drive For Five – is a new competitive job training program created in 2023 for high-demand jobs in five occupational categories: technology, labor, caring professions, manufacturing, and education. The program was funded at $20 million over the 2023-2024 biennial but is unfunded in the base budget.
- Targeted Populations - focuses on skills training and support services to bring populations of workers who have been historically overlooked and often face multiple barriers to employment - particularly people of color - into the workforce at family-sustaining wages.
Strategic, targeted investments in project-focused opportunities are an effective way to spur economic and workforce development.
The GMNP supports the state maintaining and growing investments in programs that have a proven record in creating job growth, maintaining existing employment, or enhancing innovation and the adoption of new technologies. In addition to supporting continued state investments in these programs, the GMNP supports programmatic changes that more effectively and efficiently address the needs of Greater Minnesota communities, businesses, and employees.