Governors Working for the Workforce

Workforce Development Month is a nationwide celebration recognizing the vital role workforce development plays in helping Americans build the skills and experience that employers need.

As part of this celebration, we thought we would share just a taste of how Governors across the country are supporting workforce development in their states, and opening doors to new opportunities, careers, and personal growth for their citizens.

“Our goal is to set the national pace in growing the number of skilled workers, including doubling the number of apprentices over the next four years, and empowering hundreds of thousands more North Carolinians with the credentials they need to secure a good-paying job.”

Governor Josh Stein

Supporting Postsecondary Pathways for Youth

Governors are working to ensure every student has a viable pathway after high school by expanding career counseling, implementing career planning requirements for high school students, strengthening college and career readiness standards, offering financial incentives, and allocating additional resources for underrepresented communities. For example, Idaho LAUNCH covers 80% of tuition and fees for recent high school graduates to pursue in-demand careers at eligible Idaho institutions; while Indiana is transitioning to a new high school diploma system featuring “readiness seals” that indicate students’ preparedness for college, employment, or military service.

“The effectiveness of LAUNCH in boosting Idaho’s go-on rate is unmistakable. More importantly, LAUNCH is creating opportunities for many young Idahoans who would not otherwise go on to an education or training program that leads to a rewarding career. Simply put, LAUNCH is changing lives.”

Governor Brad Little

Expanding Registered Apprenticeship

Governors are removing regulatory barriers to expand Registered Apprenticeship and incentivizing program participation among agencies and private employers. Funding apprenticeship intermediaries, integrating apprenticeships with academic credit, and expanding youth/pre-apprenticeship programs are key strategies. For example, Arizona’s BuildItAZ initiative aims to double construction apprenticeships by 2026, investing $3.65M to enhance capacity, access, and support. Alabama offers tax credits up to $1,750 per apprentice and wage reimbursements, along with funding for technical instruction.

“Increasing construction apprentices is core to building Arizona’s future, whether it’s new manufacturing facilities, new roads, or new housing, and I am proud of the progress we have made to ensure Arizonans are at the center of it all.”

Governor Katie Hobbs

Increasing Participation in Work-Based Learning and Dual Enrollment

Governors recognize that a “one-size-fits-all” approach to education is no longer optimal for workforce development and are expanding opportunities for work-based learning and dual enrollment to help prepare students for postsecondary education and in-demand careers. Efforts include adding work-based learning to career readiness standards, allowing students to earn academic credit for approved work-based learning experiences, reducing financial barriers to dual enrollment, and incentivizing schools to reach strategic targets. For example, Nevada’s Credit for Work-Based Learning provides paid and unpaid work-based learning opportunities for 7th-12th grade students and the Montana STARs Act provides “Future Ready” payments to incentivize work-based learning, credential attainment, and dual enrollment.

“Better preparing students for college and career paths is one of my top priorities. Establishing better education to workforce pathways takes coordination with teachers, students and business leaders.”

Governor Joe Lombardo

Engaging Employers as Partners and Developing Statewide Sector Strategies

Governors are engaging directly with employers and integrating sector-specific strategies within their broader state workforce and education development plans. By collaborating with economic developers and engaging workforce boards, chambers of commerce and other business associations, states have been able to reduce barriers to employer engagement and blend and braid funding to support sector partnerships. For example, Maryland Governor Wes Moore launched the Governor’s Apprenticeship Pledge last year,  inviting employers from every industry to create or expand apprenticeship programs. Kentucky’s Healthcare Workforce Investment Fund  combines public and private funding to provide scholarships for healthcare training programs, with the stipulation that recipients agree to work in Kentucky for 1-2 years after receiving their degree or credential.

“Now is the time to be innovative in how we recruit and retain healthcare workers, and that’s going to take our education and healthcare systems working together to remove some barriers keeping people from entering the profession.”

Governor Andy Beshear

Aligning and Coordinating Regional Partnerships

Governors’ workforce teams are also leveraging regional partnerships to support local workforce strategies. By coordinating with local workforce boards and enabling best-practice sharing across regions, states are able to better assess gaps and ensure that career pathways, training programs and curricula are being deployed correctly and are regionally responsive. In Wisconsin, for example, the Regional Career Pathways (RCP) approach provides high school students career pathways that reflect local region needs with employers, education, and economic and workforce development. In North Dakota, the Workforce Development Council developed the North Dakota Regional Workforce Impact Program which incentives locally-driven workforce solutions.

“Career academies are game-changers for students who prefer hands-on training for high-demand jobs that help meet our workforce needs.”

Governor Kelly Armstrong

For more information on the work Governors are doing to advance workforce and economic development activities please visit the Workforce Development and Economic Policy page or email the workforce team.