MN SF2274

Adds a nonvoting advisor position to the Workforce Development Council for an individual with expertise in assisting women in obtaining employment in nontraditional occupations.

Requires the commissioner to report annually to the legislature by January 1 on workforce program outcomes, including data on participant demographics (gender, race, age), occupations, geography, advancement salaries, and gender pay gaps within occupations.

Establishes the Women and Nontraditional Jobs Grant Program under Minnesota Statutes section 116L.99, awarding grants to eligible organizations to increase women's participation in high-wage, high-demand nontraditional occupations including skilled trades and STEM fields.

Permits grant funds for recruitment, training, placement, retention of women (particularly low-income women and women over 50), workplace safety training for employers, public education to overcome stereotypes, and support services for women in nontraditional jobs.

Appropriates $500,000 in fiscal year 2015 to the Department of Employment and Economic Development for the grant program and $250,000 to the Department of Labor and Industry to support women entering apprenticeships in nontraditional occupations.