New figures released by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) show Minnesota gained 11,200 jobs in July. Additionally, the state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate fell to 3 percent, the lowest level since 2000 and lower than the current national average of 3.9 percent. Over the last three months, Minnesota has gained nearly 32,000 jobs, the third-highest number of new jobs over a similar span since 1990.
“Over the last two years, Republicans in the legislature have worked across the aisle to not only balance our state’s budget, but deliver for Minnesotans the largest tax-relief package in nearly two decades,” said Senator Andrew Mathews. “The result has been a budget surplus for Minnesota, our state’s lowest unemployment rate in nearly two decades, and state economic growth that exceeds the national average. It is clear: more money in the pocketbooks of Minnesotans improves our economy.”
As Minnesota’s unemployment rate continues to fall, employers across the state find themselves struggling to find qualified, skilled workers to fill positions. Senator Mathews supported bipartisan legislation that Governor Dayton signed into law in 2017 that established the Youth Skills Training Program. The program connects high school students ages 16 and older with hands-on apprenticeships and internships at local employers, along with direct and close supervision of a qualified and experienced professional. In June, the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry awarded five business-school partnerships across the state $95,000 grants each to develop and implement the paid apprenticeships. On September 21, a second round of Youth Skills Training grants will open for application.
“Minnesota is experiencing our best job market in nearly two decades,” added Senator Mathews. “However, we need to continue to grow the skills of our next generation of workers if we want our state economy to continue to grow. I encourage local businesses and schools to partner together and apply for the Youth Skills Training grants.”
In the first round of funding, twenty-five local partnerships throughout the state applied. These partnerships involved more than 60 school districts and more than 100 employers in four different industries. For more information on the program and how to apply, please visit: http://www.dli.mn.gov/yst.