[ST. PAUL, MN] – Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan today are celebrating Apprenticeship Week and highlighting efforts to connect Minnesotans to high-growth, high-demand jobs through apprenticeships, job training, and workforce development programs.

“We have many tools to recruit and train workers for the high-growth, high-demand jobs we have available across our state, and apprenticeship programs are a critical part of that effort,” said Governor Walz. “This week, we’re recognizing apprenticeship programs and the opportunities they provide Minnesotans to build advanced job skills, expand our workforce, and grow the state’s economy.”

“Apprenticeship programs chart pathways for Minnesotans to succeed in high-growth industries,” said Lieutenant Governor Flanagan. “Thank you to the employers and organizations that provide apprenticeship opportunities for thousands of Minnesotans across the state. We’ll continue to invest in these programs and create more opportunities for Minnesotans to succeed.”

More than 11,000 apprentices in Minnesota are actively training in over 200 registered programs that are in high-demand and high-growth industries such as advanced manufacturing, agriculture, construction, health care, information technology, transportation, and utilities.

Throughout his time in office, the Governor has advocated for funding for education alternatives after high school, including expanded job training, workforce development, and apprenticeship opportunities. Last month, Governor Walz signed an executive order eliminating college degree requirements for over 75% of state government jobs, recognizing that not all Minnesotans need a four-year degree to succeed.

In October, Governor Walz and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) launched the Drive for 5 Workforce Initiative , a major new effort to prepare more Minnesotans for high-demand jobs in five occupational categories: technology, the trades, caring professions, manufacturing, and education.

The Drive for 5 initiative is part of a slate of historic workforce development investments Governor Walz secured during the last legislative session. DEED has more than $216.5 million for its Employment and Training Programs over the next two years, including $20 million for Drive for 5 and $50 million to support workforce development in historically overlooked communities.

Minnesota’s economy added about 50,000 jobs over the past year, and nearly 200,000 jobs remain open in Minnesota as employers try to find enough workers to fill these vacancies. Job demand over the past two years was at or near record highs in every region of the state and in most industries, with many openings providing opportunities for career growth and family-sustaining wages.

Information about Apprenticeship Week events can be found here.