WASHINGTON, D.C. –
Minnesota Senator Tina Smith has introduced a bill aiming to connect students to the workforce more efficiently.

The 21st Century Workforce Partnerships Act would expand and strengthen partnerships between secondary schools, two-year colleges, and local businesses.

The Democratic U.S. Senator says there are plenty of good-paying jobs in fields, like manufacturing, construction, and IT.

But students aren’t generally aware of, or don’t have access to programs, that provide training for those jobs.

“You know, not everybody wants to go to a four-year college,” says Smith, “but they do want to have a great job, and a great career. And so, that’s important that there’s a path for them.”

Smith says, by 2024, it’s predicted that Minnesota will have a workforce shortage of 100,000 people.