9/24/2018 3:00:00 PM
Each September, Minnesota joins other states across the country to recognize the contributions of workforce professionals who play a vital role in meeting the needs of the state’s job seekers and employers – and keep Minnesota at the top.
By a host of jobs and economic growth measures, Minnesota is thriving. We’ve reached 2,976,500 million total jobs for the first time in history and added 316,800 new jobs since 2011. Wages increased by 17 percent since 2011. The wage gap between men and women has been reduced by 2.1 Percent. An $11.4 million investment was targeted to narrowing skills gaps.
Minnesota has been ranked among the top five states for business the past three years – based on 66 measures of competitiveness (CNBC, America’s Top States for Business, 2015-2017). In fact, Minnesota finishes among the top 10 states in more than 40 national rankings that include workforce, education and quality of life.
Minnesota is home to nearly 173,500 businesses that employ 2.8 people.
Minnesota is committed to building an economy that works for all Minnesotans and to ensuring businesses have the skilled workforce and talent pipeline needed to thrive.
DEED remains focused on improving racial equity and eliminating economic disparities.
The Emerging Entrepreneur Loan Program, since its inception in 2016, has awarded $3.6 million to non-profit lenders across the state, who have provided capital for 73 businesses owned by people of color, women, people with disabilities, veterans and/ or low-income individuals.
DEED and its partners provide a broad range of workforce resources, programs and services for adults and youth as well as for businesses. Here are some key workforce development resources, programs and successes from DEED:
Find out more about the workforce development services and resources DEED offers job seekers and employers.
Contact your local WorkForce Center about popular workshops regularly offered.
Check back often as DEED highlights the importance of workforce development and shares success stories through our blog, MinnesotaWorks.net.
Here are workforce development initiatives other states are featuring this month.
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