Opening Pathways into Public Sector Jobs

Why Hennepin County Rethought Its Hiring Model

Hennepin County wanted to connect more residents to stable public sector careers while building a workforce that reflects the community it serves.

Leaders recognized that traditional hiring practices — especially unnecessary degree requirements — were preventing many qualified workers from accessing these roles.

Key challenges included:

• Degree requirements that excluded skilled workers without a bachelor’s degree
• Workforce shortages in critical public sector roles
• Economic disparities limiting access to stable careers
• A need to bring new skills, perspectives, and lived experience into county government

Through its Pathways Program, Hennepin County created structured entry points into government jobs while strengthening its talent pipeline.

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Key Insights

What This Partnership Reveals About Public-Sector Talent Innovation

1. Persistence and coordination are essential
   Launching a public-sector apprenticeship requires sustained effort and close coordination across departments and with the state. Large government systems demand consistent communication and follow-through.
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2. Experienced training partners expand capacity
   Per Scholas provided professional-level instruction, learner support, and apprenticeship expertise the County lacked internally — streamlining implementation and strengthening outcomes.
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3. Credentials signal readiness — but workforce demand determines outcomes
   The program's success in certifications revealed a critical insight: apprenticeships drive the greatest impact when training, placements, and real hiring needs move in sync.