Key Issues: Workforce development
Accelerate private-sector workforce efforts to help employers attract and retain the skilled workers they need to compete.
Minnesota is facing a workforce shortage in nearly every sector of the economy, while record levels of Minnesotans are claiming unemployment insurance and we continue to emerge from the effects of the pandemic. While this shortage pre-dates the COVID-19 pandemic, the need for greater numbers of skilled workers continues to accelerate. The immediate needs of a post-COVID-19 crisis response – rapid rehiring, nimble retraining and swift upskilling – are at the forefront of workforce development discussions. Employers are doing their part in offering on-the-job training and professional development as well as education benefits such as tuition assistance. Policymakers can either advance policies that stimulate workforce participation and enhance our economic recovery – or stifle it.
New Vision Foundation is working to educate and train the next generation of highly skilled workers.
2022 priorities include:
- Reorient workforce development programs to leverage Minnesotans and support employer needs; provide a credit/refund to employers from workforce development payroll tax if used for customized training.
- Recognize and work to prevent racial disparities in postsecondary education and workforce development programs.
- Align K-12 and postsecondary education.
- Promote future-ready options for high school students.
- Reduce remediation and utilize prior learning; streamline credentialing.
- Strengthen the Minnesota State Grant Program.
- Promote and accelerate private-sector efforts to connect students, employers and education systems.
Make your voice heard
Make sure you're signed up for action alerts, join a policy committee or interact with legislators during 2022 Session Priorities! It's important for legislators to know how their actions impact employers, employees and Minnesota's economic recovery.
Explore other policies
SHARE
Recommended Articles
