MN HF809

Each workforce service area must have a career pathways coordinator responsible for improving coordination of workforce development programs, services, and communication among service areas and administering agencies, with one coordinator potentially serving up to two areas.

Career pathways coordinators must understand business workforce needs, connect job seekers with employers and educational institutions, coordinate services including career counseling and training, assess workforce programs, make recommendations to the commissioner, and promote available resources.

Workforce councils must submit annual reports to the commissioner detailing businesses and job seekers assisted, workforce programs offered, and recommendations for improvements, with consolidated reports submitted to legislative committees beginning January 15, 2016.

$1,250,000 is appropriated for fiscal years 2016 and 2017 from the general fund for up to nine career pathways coordinator positions in workforce service areas.

$10,000,000 from the general fund and $3,500,000 from the workforce development fund are appropriated for fiscal years 2016 and 2017 to provide employment and career advising to youth ages up to 24, career guidance in kindergarten through grade 12 schools, support services, and work experience.