Narrative: II. b. 2.

In order to realize our vision for a stronger workforce development system, Minnesota’s WIOA Plan will focus on two primary goals:

1. Reduce educational and employment disparities based on race, disability or being a disconnected youth to provide greater opportunity for all Minnesotans; and
2. Build employer–led industry–sector partnerships focused on aligning skills with careers in demand.

We believe that the best way to achieve these two goals is by continuing Minnesota’s investment in building a robust career pathway system that aligns with the purposes of WIOA and the needs of Minnesota’s businesses and workforce.

Minnesota was one of fourteen states in the NGA Talent Pipeline Policy Academy, Minnesota’s team represented six state agencies and higher education (MnSCU) which provided an opportunity to identify the needs of a current and future talent pipeline. It was because of this cross agency team of senior leaders; commissioners and deputy commissioners that led to the vision for this state plan. Through this work, the team was able to gather data and information regarding programs, resources, and plans to what each separate agency was doing. This cross agency work lead to the decision to submit a combined plan to DOL.

Minnesota learned that as a state, we were already doing a great deal around alignment and partnership. Minnesota has been recognized as a leader and early adaptor in career pathways, Minnesota FastTRAC program. This program brought together Adult Basic Education, workforce (WIA Adult, DSW, Youth, TAA), higher education (CTE, Perkins), and industry to develop curriculum and programming to move individuals to receive education attainment. Minnesota learned from experience that there was more to be done in order to reach and serve individuals with barriers. This work has expanded and evidenced through our DEI grant (serving individuals with disabilities), Pipeline project (serving youth and CTE students), incarcerated or recently released individuals, homeless, individuals exiting chemical dependency programs, and veterans faced with difficulty facing re-entry.

Minnesota’s Pathways 2 Prosperity serves these particular populations and Minnesota’s state investment ($35M) in equity grants provides further investment for training for youth, communities of color, and individuals with other barriers to employment. Minnesota’s vision to meet the needs of these individuals as well as the needs of industry will be our goals for the next four years. Minnesota’s success can be measured on the opportunities for employment with these industries and industry success is measured on retention, growth, and prosperity which contributes to our six regional economies as well as the overall state economy.

The GWDB has adopted this state plan as the state board’s strategic plan for the next four years and will focus on milestones and outcomes of the two goals. The GWDB’s plan is supported on the approved six regional plans which will focus on the disparities gaps in education and employment and the development of successful employer-led sector strategies. The regional plans were submitted in July 2016 and under modification with a final submission in February 2017. The GWDB has a standing committee, Career Pathways Partnership which focuses on a state career pathway system. What this represents for Minnesota for the next four years is priority and focus on addressing developing the skills of our current and future workforce to meet the demands of our demand industry sectors. The GWDB in partnership with the combined partners in this plan identified five industry sectors which represent the greatest opportunity for growth, employment, and livable wages; construction, healthcare, manufacturing, natural resources, and professional and business services. These industries all represent opportunities to develop the skills needed in multiple occupations within their sectors and transferable skills between sectors such as information technology.

Another such example is the healthcare sector which is a growing sector across the entire state, where new innovative models for apprenticeships have been developed with the Dept. of Labor and Industry, DEED and MnSCU through the DOL Apprenticeship (MAI) grant. These innovative approaches are being developed that can and will be replicated across the six regions in Minnesota. These partnerships are a result of industry partnerships - Health Education Industry Part, HEIP, Center of Excellence, HealthForce (MnSCU), and workforce partnerships (MFIP/TANF, SNAP E & T, CTE, Perkins, Adult Basic Education, Dept. of Corrections, MN Job Skills Partnership, WIOA Adult, DSW, TAA, Pathways 2 Prosperity, FastTRAC, MAI, Dept. of Labor and Industry, Pipeline.

The healthcare sector across the state and their partnerships, have developed training models (Career Pathways) that support individuals at all levels but also developed the training that allow for individuals to get off and on the "ramps" to skill development which lead to credential and/or degree attainment. The CPP membership represents all partners of this combined plan with three sub-groups being led by Adult Basic Education, CTE, DLI, and Dept. of Human Services (TANF/Snap E & T).

In addition, community-based organizations play a major role by identifying the needs of their communities whether it be transportation, childcare, housing, remedial education or ESL, or culture differences. This partnership is able to identify the needs of all individuals served through the program partners but also opportunities for incumbent workers whom provide opportunities for entry level positions for someone entering the workforce.

A successful career pathway model allows for individuals, even out of school youth, to move into employment, receive the necessary training leading to credential attainment, receive support services, and provide future opportunity for forward growth in other occupations by building on previous experience and credentials. This partnership supported by the GWDB is one example of supporting this plan in addition to sector partnerships and regional partnerships being established through the six regional plans.

To ensure alignment, transparency, and progress, the GWDB twenty-one private sector members meet quarterly with the CPP to educate, inform, strategize, and develop solutions to support a career pathways system for the state. These 21 members are geographically located throughout the state and represent the five industry sectors. Twelve of these members serve on local workforce boards also providing leadership and input to local and regional needs. The CPP and the GWDB takes the responsibility for dissemination of best practices and sharing across regions. The GWDB, as an advisor to the Governor, will provide recommendations and/or solutions that may have an impact on better outcomes or removing barriers for these individuals. The combined partners (also represented on the GWDB) will review the outcomes and progress of the CPP and the regional plans annually to evaluate progress or need to modify plans.