Skillful

SKILLFUL STATE NETWORK: LEARN, SHARE, COLLABORATE

As automation, artificial intelligence, and other technological advances transform the nature of work, states have the opportunity to innovate to help people keep pace with the evolving needs of a digital economy.

The Skillful State Network is a forum for governors to share and accelerate workforce innovation.

Employers find the best possible candidates.

Educators and trainers teach what’s needed most.

Career coaches and counselors have the tools they need.

Job seekers can find rewarding, sustainable work.

Skillful State Network

The Skillful State Network is a collaboration to transform the U.S. labor market at scale to one that is skills-based, in which people can demonstrate or obtain the skills needed for good digital economy jobs. The Skillful State Network will support transformation at a scale and pace not possible through individual state actions. The Network will elevate and advance practices and ideas that states can adopt to achieve their workforce goals, including aligning education with industry; providing robust data to jobseekers; or training employers on skills-based practices.

Skillful’s on-the-ground operations, Skillful Colorado and Skillful Indiana, work with local organizations to accelerate the adoption of skills-based practices; providing the opportunity to test approaches and share insights with the Skillful State Network.

Skillful State Network Members:

Gov. Jared Polis

Colorado

Gov. Jared Polis

In Colorado, we are fostering an economy that works for everyone," said Governor Jared Polis. "A focus on skills that are needed for success and employability, using tools like Skillful's programs, expands opportunities for individuals across the state, especially for those without a 4-year degree, and ensures that businesses have the talented people they need to help them grow and succeed."

Representative Workplace Initiative: Colorado Invests in Coaches

The Governor’s Coaching Corps, a partnership of Skillful and the State of Colorado, is an intensive, 8-month program that recognizes the vital role career coaches play bridging the gap between jobseekers and employers, supporting economic growth across the state, and guiding professional advancement for thousands of Coloradans. The Coaching Corps gives coaches the tools and training they need to better serve jobseekers in our rapidly changing labor market and to invest in their own personal and professional development.

Governor Kay Ivey

Alabama

Governor Kay Ivey

"Joining the Skillful State Network is particularly timely now, since we are in the midst of recovering our workforce and economy from the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. The COVID-19 environment generated a greater focus on developing short-term pathways to opportunity. Alabama’s efforts to develop competency-based career pathways to the middle class predated the COVID-19 pandemic. Nevertheless, we are cognizant that the efforts Alabama began over two years ago regarding non-degree credential quality assurance, expanding work-based learning, and coupling career pathways with supportive services are needed now more than ever. Furthermore, Alabama is eager to share what we have learned, along the way, with our peers," said Governor Kay Ivey.

Gov. Asa Hutchinson

Arkansas

Gov. Asa Hutchinson

"Skillful is an innovative program, and I am pleased that Arkansas is one of the founding members of the Skillful State Network. In Arkansas, we offer training that complements the skills and interests of Arkansans at all educational levels. Skillful will open even more opportunities for Arkansans to add to their skill set and further strengthen our workforce," said Governor Asa Hutchinson.

Gov. Gavin Newsom

California

Gov. Gavin Newsom

“Technology continues to rapidly change the world around us. To keep pace, we must develop a roadmap to uplift and up-skill workers across regions and industries. California will work closely with the Skillful State Network to build an inclusive, sustainable, and prosperous labor market; incorporating skills-based education and hiring in an economy that works for all,” said Governor Gavin Newsom.

Gov. Ned Lamont

Connecticut

Gov. Ned Lamont

“Connecticut is determined to provide its employers access to the best-educated and best-trained workforce in the world, and its workers access to good jobs at fair wages. It’s clear that retaining companies and creating jobs requires job training and workforce development programs designed around the present and future needs of growth industries. Joining the Skillful State Network will help us equip our residents and businesses for success,” said Governor Ned Lamont.

Representative Workplace Initiative:

Nurse Residency Apprenticeship Program:
The Connecticut Department of Labor’s Office of Apprenticeship Training meets the demand for a skilled workforce through registered apprenticeship. In addition to registered apprenticeships in traditional occupations including manufacturing and the building and construction trades, the Office has expanded registered apprenticeships into sectors like healthcare, IT services, insurance, banking, and barbering. One such expansion is through a collaboration with Yale New Haven Hospital to develop a Nurse Residency Apprenticeship Program, which was recently awarded “Accreditation with Distinction” by the American Nurses Credentialing Center, and efforts are underway to finalize additional apprenticeship programs with Yale New Haven Hospital. The Office is also working with General Dynamics / Electric Boat to reinstitute its registered apprentice programs and train an additional 2,000 workers to build a new generation of submarines.

Gov. John Carney

Delaware

Gov. John Carney

"From restructuring the way our state does economic development, to strengthening career pathways, to investing in an innovation economy, workforce development has been a top priority of my administration. We look forward to sharing best practices and learning from other states about how we can improve the way we link Delawareans to good paying jobs and sustainable, fulfilling careers," said Governor John Carney.

Representative Workplace Initiative:

Today, nearly 9,000 students are enrolled in our statewide Delaware Pathways initiative, which began in 2014 with just 27 students. Delaware understands the need to invest in the workforce of tomorrow, and the Pathways program is doing just that.

Gov. Brad Little

Idaho

Gov. Brad Little

“Idaho state agencies and our education partners have been investing heavily in work-based learning and other collaborative initiatives, which they can share with the Network. In return, they look to learn from other states and apply those lessons to ensure a successful future for Idaho and our country,” said Governor Brad Little.

Gov. J. B. Pritzker

Illinois

Gov. J. B. Pritzker

"As the State Workforce Innovation Board Co-Chair and business leader, I am excited that Governor Rauner has agreed to have Illinois be one of the founding states for the Skillful State Network. This opportunity will help Illinois learn and share best practice models with other states and be an incubator for new and innovative ideas to meet the needs of our workforce and employers in the future," says John Rico, Illinois Workforce Innovation Board Co-Chair.

Representative Workplace Initiative:

The Illinois Talent Pipeline Program funds employer-led workforce strategies to train workers who can contribute to companies' growth and success. Projects funded under this program are intended to develop sustainable work-based learning programs to help Illinois companies retain and train current and new workers. Grantees must address one or more of the following Illinois Talent Pipeline activities to be considered for funding:
- Projects that connect talent strategies with business needs
- Layoff aversion projects that support businesses and workers that are at risk of company closures or layoffs
- Projects that expand work-based learning opportunities including apprenticeships for targeted populations

Gov. Eric Holcomb

Indiana

Gov. Eric Holcomb

"Our focus in Indiana is preparing our workforce for jobs available now and in the years to come," Indiana Governor Eric J. Holcomb said. "Sharing workforce practices among Skillful State Network members and encouraging multiple pathways to success in a changing economy will strengthen our talent pool, meet employer demand and put hardworking Hoosiers in high-need, high-wage careers of the future."

Representative Workplace Initiative:

Indiana Supports Training:

Next Level Jobs is a key pillar of Governor Holcomb's Next Level Indiana agenda. Under his leadership with support from the General Assembly, Indiana is skilling up its workforce of today and tomorrow focusing on the high-wage, high-demand industries driving Indiana's 21st Century economy. The Next Level Jobs initiative brings employers, workforce, K-12 and higher education leaders, and Hoosiers together by offering two different training grants targeting high-demand industries including advanced manufacturing, agriculture, building and construction, health and life sciences, IT and business services, and transportation and logistics. Together, these programs provide more than $20 million over the next two years for Hoosiers and employers for training and certifications that help Indiana meet current workforce demand.

Gov. Kim Reynolds

Iowa

Gov. Kim Reynolds

“Every state is dealing with workforce, which is why partnerships like the Skillful State Network are so important. Collaboration and cooperation between governors across the country will create solutions that unleash economic opportunities for decades to come," said Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds.

Gov. Laura Kelly

Kansas

Gov. Laura Kelly

"We look forward to joining the Skillful State Network and learning from early adopters of this new approach to coordinated workforce skill development. We are anxious to learn more from the group's expertise and resources, as well as other partner states, to help prepare Kansas' workforce for a changing economy," said Governor Laura Kelly.

Representative Workplace Initiative:

In 2018 Kansas Launch the Kansas Career Navigator site, www.kscareernav.gov. The Kansas Career Navigator is an intuitive dashboard intended to aid in the selection of education and training programs, access workforce training providers, analyze performance information and labor market information. Additionally, by navigating this site, a user has real time access to high demand, high wage occupation opportunities by county or local area selection. User take the helm in learning more about wages, job openings, education and work experience expectations, access provider listings, forecasted vacancies and much, much more.

Gov. Andy Beshear

Kentucky

Gov. Andy Beshear

"Kentucky is excited to join the innovative and forward-thinking state leaders that make up the Skillful State Network. We look forward to collaborating with the members of Skillful to exchange ideas and best practices to prepare our citizens for good digital economy jobs, " said Governor Andy Beshear.

Gov. Charlie Baker

Massachusetts

Gov. Steve Bullock

Montana

Gov. Steve Bullock

"Access to a talented and trained workforce is key for businesses in our state to thrive and right now we know that this is a challenge. I look forward to working with Skillful and the Network to share strategies and develop innovative pathways for workers to gain skills and ultimately connect employers with the workforce they need," said Governor Steve Bullock.

Representative Workplace Initiative:

Governor Bullock has prioritized expansion of registered apprenticeships to meet workforce demands in high-growth, high-wage occupations including health care, manufacturing, IT, financial services, and construction. Apprenticeships like the injection molding training program at West Paw Design in Bozeman, Montana's first apprenticeship in the manufacturing industry, are customized to the employer's needs and ensure that employees can skill-up quickly to meet the demands of a growing business. Since 2013, registered apprenticeships have increased by almost 30% with training programs available in over 70 occupations.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer

Michigan

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer

“Michigan is pleased to join the Skillful State Network, and share best practices with other states that are working to close the skills gap. Developing the talent needed to fill the jobs of tomorrow is a top priority for my administration. We know that the majority of jobs in Michigan will require postsecondary credentials, and I've adopted a bold goal to increase the percentage of Michiganders with postsecondary credentials from 45% to 60% by 2030. We look forward to learning from other states that are expanding opportunity to the training necessary to meet employer demand in high-growth, high-wage industries,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer.

Gov. Tim Walz

Minnesota

Gov. Mike Parson

Missouri

Gov. Mike Parson

“Developing an elite, skilled workforce here in Missouri through effective collaboration between the public and private sector is a central focus of my administration. Across Missouri we hear consistently the challenges employers are facing when trying to access the trained, talented workers essential for businesses to succeed. We look forward to being a part of the Skillful State Network and have the opportunity to partner with other states on best practices to ensure our workforce is prepared for the jobs of the future,” said Governor Mike Parson.

Representative Workplace Initiative:

Governor Parson has proposed a scholarship program called Fast Track to provide opportunities for adults over age 25 to enter high-wage, high-demand fields. Scholarship recipients would receive significant financial support when pursuing a degree or certification in certain designated “high-demand” fields. Classes will be offered at universities, community colleges, and technical schools.

Gov. Phil Murphy

New Jersey

Gov. Phil Murphy

"A stronger and fairer state begins with an economy that works for everyone," Governor Murphy said. "Getting the economy right and creating jobs is a critical step toward securing a strong future for New Jersey. Our state is committed to providing all of our residents with the tools they need to get jobs, support their families, and reach their potential. We are excited to join with Skillful and bring valuable tools to job seekers in New Jersey."

Representative Workplace Initiative:

New Start Career Network:

Governor Murphy is committed to tackling New Jersey's nation-leading long-term unemployment rate and connecting every state resident to meaningful work. The Governor and First Lady helped found the New Start Career Network at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, which since 2015 has leveraged career coaching provided by over 250 trained volunteers, robust technology tools, community partnerships, and employer engagement to assist its more than 3,300 long-term unemployed members. The Governor plans to extend this model statewide to strengthen New Jersey's workforce development system.

Gov. Roy Cooper

North Carolina

Gov. Roy Cooper

"I want North Carolinians to be better educated, healthier, and have more money in their pockets so that they can live more abundant, purposeful lives," said Governor Cooper. "The linchpin to achieving that goal is to help people get good-paying jobs to support themselves and their families. Every state is facing economic challenges and adapting their workforce systems to overcome those challenges. We are thrilled to join the Skillful Network to learn from other states innovating in workforce development and to share our challenges and successes with them as well."

Representative Workplace Initiative:

North Carolina is developing NCWorks Certified Career Pathways in every region of the state. With 27 so far and more in development, these employer-led pathways are a collaboration between the K-12 system, community colleges and local workforce teams to help North Carolinians get good-paying jobs in fields like healthcare, advanced manufacturing and IT.

Gov. Doug Burgum

North Dakota

Gov. Doug Burgum

"For North Dakota to reach its fullest potential, we need the skilled workforce to match a job market being disrupted by rapid technological change. Joining the Skillful State Network as a founding member presents an exciting opportunity to work with key stakeholders and learn best practices that will bolster our efforts to fill North Dakota's 13,000 job openings by harnessing the very technology transforming our economy," said Governor Doug Burgum

Representative Workplace Initiative:

Recognizing that work-based learning opportunities are instrumental to the development of 21st century workforce skills, Operation Intern is designed to expand the number of internship, work experience and apprenticeship positions with North Dakota employers in selected industries: energy, advanced manufacturing, value-added agriculture, tourism and technology-based businesses, with special emphasis on supporting start-ups in North Dakota. Employers are incented to create internship programs through matching funds.

Gov. Mike DeWine

Ohio

Gov. Mike DeWine

"In Ohio, we are committed to giving people the skills they need to compete and prosper in the 21st century,” said Governor Mike DeWine. “As we transform our state’s workforce in new and innovative ways, such as leveraging technology to help individuals learn new skills and connect with career opportunities, we look forward to collaborating and sharing ideas with fellow innovators in the Skillful State Network.”

Representative Workplace Initiative:

Ohio Recognizes Job-Ready Students:

Fast track Ohioans seeking new workforce skills by providing micro-degrees, primarily for those in the incumbent workforce. Micro-degrees are low-cost credentials that take a student less than a year to complete and quickly qualify Ohioans to work in growing industries. At a cost of $15 million for each year of the biennium, recognized industry credentials will be provided at no cost to a minimum of 10,000 Ohioans a year, so long as they remain in Ohio after completion.

Gov. Kevin Stitt

Oklahoma

Gov. Tom Wolf

Pennsylvania

Gov. Tom Wolf

“Pennsylvania businesses are hiring, and we have more jobs than ever before as the economy changes with new industries,” said Governor Tom Wolf. “To meet this demand, we’re combining Pennsylvania’s amazing workforce, advanced technologies and strategic location with innovative education and job training to prepare people with the skills needed for these emerging careers. Pennsylvania is proud to join the Skillful State Network as we continue to invest in education and job training to prepare workers to compete in the global economy.”

Representative Workplace Initiative:

PAsmart:

Pennsylvania is partnering with the private sector, educators and workers to create the new and innovative PAsmart initiative. Successfully launched last year by Governor Wolf, PAsmart is a strategic investment in K-12 computer science and STEM education, registered apprenticeships, and job training in partnership with the business community. PAsmart is an important tool to reach the goal of teaching computer skills to every student, double the number of apprentices and focus job training on the skills that growing businesses need.

Gov. Gina Raimondo

Rhode Island

Gov. Gina Raimondo

"Rhode Island's workforce development strategy is showing clear signs of success, but there's more work to be done. We're excited to partner with Skillful to refine our understanding of what's working well here at home, and what's working well in other states," said Governor Gina Raimondo.

Representative Workplace Initiative:

Building a Pathway to Real Jobs in Rhode Island:

Governor Raimondo's Real Jobs Rhode Island initiative aims to give Rhode Islanders the tools they need to succeed in the modern economy, while connecting employers in growing sectors of the state's economy to the newly-trained employees they need to expand and thrive. A significant departure from the "train and pray" paradigm of the past, Real Jobs RI has served more than 2,100 Rhode Island workers - either training and placing unemployed Rhode Islanders or upskilling incumbent workers to give them a shot at a better job. At the same time, more than 300 Rhode Island employers - from advanced manufacturing to commercial fishing to design - have participated in Real Jobs partnerships, allowing them to customize training curricula to the specific needs of their company or industry.

Gov. Bill Lee

Tennessee

Gov. Bill Lee

"In Tennessee, we believe the best workforce development plan is an education plan. We are investing in our workforce through initiatives like Tennessee Promise and Tennessee Reconnect, so all Tennesseans have the opportunity to attend college free of tuition or fees," Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee said. "Through the Skillful State Network, we will share our successes and challenges with other states as we continue to increase the number of high-skilled Tennesseans and create a workforce prepared to meet the needs of current and future employers."

Representative Workplace Initiative:

Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam in 2013 launched the Drive to 55, a workforce development initiative to increase the number of Tennesseans with a postsecondary degree or certificate to 55 percent by 2025 - the year in which at least half the jobs in state will require a degree or certificate. To help meet that goal and create pathways to education, Haslam created Tennessee Promise and Tennessee Reconnect providing all Tennesseans access to community or technical college free of tuition and fees. Today, more Tennesseans are attending college than ever before, and if the state sustains its current momentum, it is on pace to meet the Drive to 55 goal two years early.

Gov. Spencer Cox

Utah

Gov. Spencer Cox

“Industry, Education and Talent alignment is integral to preparing today and tomorrow’s workforce, offering Utah citizens increased economic opportunity,” said Gov. Spencer Cox. “In partnering with the Skillful State Network, we look to enhance talent development state initiatives to better meet industry needs and provide individuals with skills training that leads to satisfactory living and a rich economy.”

Represented Workplace Initiative:

Talent Ready Utah is a collaborative effort to improve both Utah's education system and workforce. By effectively increasing industry and education partnerships, Talent Ready Utah will fill critical workforce needs while ensuring the state's continued economic success for generations to come.

Gov. Phil Scott

Vermont

Gov. Phil Scott

"We know that the public investments we value, and the very future of Vermont's economy, rely on growing our labor force and building a workforce with the skills and expertise for today's jobs. I'm happy to work with this bipartisan group of governors, committed to sharing ideas and working together towards solutions that help create opportunities for Vermonters and Vermont's businesses," said Governor Phil Scott.

Representative Workplace Initiative:

Vermont Builds Strategy to Strengthen Workforce

Governor Phil Scott appointed a Workforce Development Team, charged with creating an interagency workforce development plan to leverage the full assets of state government to build strategies for addressing Vermont's labor force crisis, and advancing workforce development initiatives. This plan is a cornerstone of Governor Scott's agenda.

Gov. Ralph Northam

Virginia

Gov. Ralph Northam

"Virginia recognizes that our residents are the driving force behind our growing economy. With FastForward, a first-of-its-kind pay-for-performance training initiative, we are investing in our people, measuring outcomes, and rewarding programs that get results," said Virginia Governor Ralph Northam. "We look forward to sharing our experience with the Skillful State Network and learning what efforts have been successful in other states."

Representative Workplace Initiative:

FastForward is a short-term workforce credential program to train Virginians for top, in-demand jobs across the Commonwealth. Most programs take between six and 12 weeks and are built so students can get their education while they work. Participants who complete their studies and receive credentials are only responsible for a third of program costs.

Gov. Jay Inslee

Washington

Gov. Jay Inslee

"A four-year degree isn't the only path to a fulfilling career," Washington Gov. Jay Inslee said. "Business leaders have told us they are looking for talent in everything from information technology to health care. We must connect students to great employers and high-quality job training."

Representative Workplace Initiative:

Career Connect Washington - This new initiative will create career connections in Washington State through job shadowing, internships and apprenticeships for 29,000 students in 11 communities through $6.4 million in grant funding and innovative partnerships. These opportunities include STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) learning experiences, job shadows at local employers, career planning, and over 4,800 new internships, pre-apprenticeships, and registered apprenticeships.

Mayor Muriel Bowser

Washington, DC

Mayor Muriel Bowser

“The Skillful State Network’s efforts to ensure people can engage in the skills-based digital economy is a central component of our workforce system in Washington, DC. Through this partnership, the District will elevate and advance practices to achieve the Network’s collective workforce goals of aligning education with industry; providing robust data to jobseekers; and training employers on skills-based practices,” said Washington, DC Mayor Muriel Bowser.

Gov. Tony Evers

Wisconsin

Gov. Tony Evers

“The role of apprenticeship is crucial to keeping our workforce strong and our young women and men prepared for a future that needs capable and innovative workers. That’s why we’re making a substantial $18 million investment in our Wisconsin Technical College System, which opens the door to career exploration for our students and prepares Wisconsinites of all ages for careers in high-demand fields. Here in Wisconsin we know that investing in our workforce is good for workers, good for business, and it makes our communities strong,” said Governor Tony Evers.

Representative Workplace Initiative:

Technical colleges play an integral role in our Registered Apprenticeship program, providing a strong foundation for on-the-job learning for thousands of apprentices. Wisconsin's rich history in Registered Apprenticeship started back in 1911, when we created the nation's first modern apprenticeship law. In that very first year, 625 apprentices signed on in Wisconsin. Today, more than 100 years later, Wisconsin hosts more than 12,000 registered apprentices and we're growing as we continue to expand into new fields-- meeting the needs of the modern economy. Throughout Wisconsin's relationship with Registered Apprenticeship, many of those partnerships are forged in hands-on industries like construction and manufacturing, but the reality is, Registered Apprenticeship can go beyond the traditional fields to support other industries—industries targeting the Wisconsin workforce.

SKILLFUL STATE PLAYBOOK

In partnership with the State of Colorado, we’ve developed the steps states can follow to build a skills-based labor market. We invite you to join us in elevating these tools, practices, and resources, so that we can help communities across the nation adopt the skills- based practices critical to the growth and sustainability of our economy. We’ll get everyone working on the same page.

Download Free Playbook (PDF)