Gov. Walz, DEED announce $12 million in funding for workforce development
(ABC 6 News) — On Wednesday, Governor Tim Walz and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) announced $12 million will go towards workforce development for Minnesotans.
It’s part of the State Drive for 5 program which provides competitive grants to provide workforce training and job placement in five high growth industries:
- Caring professions
- Education
- Manufacturing
- Technology
- Trades
“Minnesota depends on a skilled, trained, and educated workforce,” said Governor Walz via a press release. “We’re equipping Minnesotans with the support they need to step into high-demand industries, helping employers fill critical positions, supporting families and communities, and keeping our state competitive.”
Drive for 5 was launched in 2023 to expand workforce training in occupational groups where there is high demand for employees and a pathway to careers with family-sustaining wages.
The Drive for 5 grant round announced Wednesday is comprised of two programs. The first is the Industry Sector Training for partners that provide workforce development services, work-based learning opportunities, and job placement and retention.
The second is going towards Job Placement Services for partners that Drive for 5 – Industry Sector Training program graduates are connected with employers that are currently hiring or anticipate near future employment opportunities in the program’s five targeted sectors.
“We are excited about this initiative and encourage training program providers, industry associations, chambers of commerce and other business organizations to apply for this next round of Drive for 5 grant funding,” said DEED Deputy Commissioner for Workforce Development Marc Majors via a press release. “The Drive for 5 initiative has been pivotal in transitioning Minnesotans into family-sustaining-wage careers that help lead to generational wealth.”
DEED awarded nearly $20 million in Drive for 5 grants during the previous biennium. So far, initial grantees have enrolled approximately 800 Minnesotans in training programs.
“Drive for 5 strategically targets occupational categories that are projected to be high-growth in the years ahead and that provide jobs with family-sustaining wages for workers,” said DEED Commissioner Matt Varilek via a press release. “We’re building on the program’s initial successes to benefit even more Minnesotans who need training and assistance to join the labor force in high-demand fields and to support Minnesota’s economy by preparing people for in-demand careers and meeting employers’ needs.”