You no longer need a college degree to get a job with the state government in many cases. That's after Governor Tim Walz signed an executive order Monday that eliminates college degree requirements for more than 75 percent of state government jobs.
"I'm really proud of this one," said the governor Monday. "I think this is, I think it's a mind shift that brings folks over, and we'll start to get the data and we have to track all this. But boy, my guess is today if people are listening to this, that there's people actually saying, look, 'I'm gonna give that a shot, I'm gonna switch over and see, I think I can get in there now and get a job.' We want you to come try."
Walz says the executive order will open job opportunities for more people, expand the state’s workforce, and make it easier for people in Minnesota to choose state service.
"There are many opportunities to build meaningful careers through state service. We’re making sure these opportunities are available to more Minnesotans, so we can grow our workforce, tap into valuable skills, and recognize that not all Minnesotans need a four-year degree to be successful,” said Governor Walz. “By removing these requirements, we’re expanding opportunities for people to enter the workforce, choose state service, and build a good-paying, family-sustaining career.”
According to the Governor's Office, Minnesota’s labor force has grown for seven straight months, adding more than 1,500 workers in September.
This executive order aims to build, develop, and maintain Minnesota’s workforce by:
Updating hiring guidance to emphasize skills and work experience.
Helping existing employees develop long-term career paths through individual development plans and career training.
Including working titles in job postings to improve state job searches.