[ST. PAUL, MN] – Governor Tim Walz today visited Presbyterian Homes Services, an assisted living and job training center, in Roseville as part of his statewide workforce tour. He spent a day in the life as a nurse – one of the career fields experiencing a labor shortage in Minnesota. Minnesota is investing millions in job training and workforce development to fill high-growth, high-demand jobs across the state, including in manufacturing, public safety, technology, caring professions, and education. Photos from the event are here.

“By providing new education opportunities and on-the-job training for health care professionals, we’re here to help Minnesotans choose a career path in this critical industry,” said Governor Walz. “The investments we’re making today will strengthen our health care workforce, eliminate barriers to entry into high-demand careers, and support the health of our state. This is how we create pathways for life-long careers and bring short- and long-term benefits to Minnesotans and our economy.”

Health care and social assistance positions make up 7.5% of Minnesota’s total workforce. Home health and personal care aides make up the single largest occupation in Minnesota. The industry has one of the highest job vacancies in the state, with over 45,000 high-demand jobs available to Minnesotans.

The One Minnesota Budget passed this session includes $20 million over the next two years to support the Drive for Five Workforce Fund, which will prepare Minnesotans to enter five of the most critical occupational categories in the state with high-growth jobs and family-sustaining wages: technology, caring professions, education, manufacturing, and trades.

Last week, Governor Walz visited Buhler, a food equipment manufacturer in Plymouth, to kick off the statewide workforce tour and spend a day in the life with manufacturing professionals. He also spent a day in the life of a fourth grade teacher in Savage and a police officer in Duluth to highlight the state’s job training and workforce development efforts in manufacturing, education, and public safety.