SAINT PAUL, Minn. — One of the biggest buzz phrases over the past year has been "worker shortage" and Governor Tim Walz says Minnesota is no exception.
On Monday afternoon, Walz signed an executive order that removes the college degree requirement for 75% of Minnesota's state jobs.
Moving forward, Walz says life experience and training will be just as important to hiring managers who are looking to fill openings.
"I think there's a whole lot of people, who to be honest, felt excluded from the economy and I think they feel frustrated and a little bit of populism that goes along with this in saying: 'I know I can do this, but I don't have this fancy degree' or whatever it might be, whatever that narrative is, it creates a split amongst us that doesn't need to be there,” Walz explains.
However, for some jobs, Minnesota Management and Budget Commissioner Erin Campbell says requiring a degree still makes sense
"So, like a nurse for example. A nurse would or a psychologist or a civil engineer, some of those types of jobs that are going to require some sort of licensure,” Campbell says.
Minnesota isn't the first state to make this change.
Maryland started the trend in spring of last year, and since then, 10 other governors have signed similar executive orders, both Republicans and Democrats.
Commissioner Campbell says moving forward, candidates who apply for these state jobs will not get preferential treatment for simply having a degree.
Campbell says a degree will be just one of many qualifications that will be considered by hiring managers alongside skills and work experience.
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