Cornhusker State News

Governor Jim Pillen has signed an executive order to launch the Good Life, Great Careers Initiative at Northeast Community College as part of Manufacturing Month in Nebraska. The initiative is designed to provide clear career pathways for Nebraskans, with a particular focus on youth entering the workforce.

“Apprenticeships and pre-apprenticeships are some of the best ways to create these pathways to successful careers across our extraordinary state,” said Governor Pillen. “Now more than ever, we need to create and align workforce programs that make sense for Nebraska’s communities – especially as we double down on the investments we make in the young people of our state.”

The initiative aims to expand apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs and set a goal of adding 6,000 new registered active apprentices in Nebraska by December 31, 2030. As part of this effort, the Nebraska Department of Labor (NDOL) will establish the Office of Registered Apprenticeship. This office will serve as a central hub for all matters related to registered apprenticeship programs and will work to align these programs with the state’s workforce needs, focusing on sectors such as manufacturing, healthcare, transportation, construction, and the bioeconomy.

NDOL Commissioner Katie Thurber expressed appreciation for Governor Pillen’s support. “I am thankful to Governor Pillen for his support and dedication to growing a skilled Nebraska workforce,” said Thurber. “The Good Life, Great Careers Initiative allows Nebraska to create a unified approach to making sure all Nebraskans have access to the Good Life. I’m looking forward to productive collaboration with all state departments and essential stakeholders as we implement the Governor’s vision for workforce development and establish the new Office of Registered Apprenticeship. A great first step in the Good Life, Great Careers Initiative is the establishment of an industry-wide model of apprenticeship for Nebraska manufacturers. This program will be available at all community colleges in Nebraska and offer a career pathway to all Nebraska manufacturers.”

Doug Rood from the Nebraska Manufacturing Advisory Council (NeMAC) highlighted industry involvement: “This is a direct response to the call from industry, highlighting the spirit of partnership that defines Nebraska, education and business working hand in hand to create opportunity. It’s a tremendous honor to stand here today alongside Governor Pillen and Commissioner Thurber to celebrate this exciting announcement, the launch of statewide manufacturing credentials developed through the collaboration of NeMAC, community colleges, the Nebraska Department of Education, and the state chamber.”

Leah Barrett, president of Northeast Community College, commented on her institution’s experience with apprenticeships: “The Governor’s Good Life, Great Careers Initiative is an important step toward strengthening Nebraska’s workforce. At Northeast, we have been committed to apprenticeship programs for more than six years, including programs in areas such as electrical, diesel technology, agriculture, information technology, and childcare. By partnering with NeMAC and local manufacturers, we’ve created stackable credentials, industrial maintenance pathways, and youth robotics programs that have opened doors for our students. This executive order reinforces the importance of this work and fuels our mission to help students transform their passions into rewarding careers.”

Heath Mello from the Greater Omaha Chamber also praised collaboration across sectors: “This reflects the kind of bold, forward-looking workforce strategy our state needs to stay competitive in today’s economy. At the Greater Omaha Chamber, we see every day how apprenticeships and hands-on training open doors for young people, create stronger career pathways, and meet the needs of our employers. By aligning business, education, and state government around this shared vision, Nebraska is positioning itself to not only prepare the next generation of workers but also give every community a stronger foundation for growth and opportunity.”

The launch event took place during a workshop for representatives involved in Six Regions, One Nebraska—a program focused on regional solutions for challenges like workforce shortages. Since its inception last year each region has received funding for projects targeting their specific priorities (https://governor.nebraska.gov/gov-pillen-announces-awards-6-regions-one-nebraska-priority-projects-0).

Other recent initiatives by Governor Pillen aimed at supporting workforce growth include Elite 11 Scholarships (https://governor.nebraska.gov/press/gov-pillen-and-university-leaders-recognize-inaugural-elite-11-scholarship-recipients), which recognize outstanding student achievement; the Nebraska Rural Veterinarian Grant Program (https://governor.nebraska.gov/gov-pillen-announces-new-nebraska-rural-veterinarian-grant-program), supporting veterinary services in rural areas; and events like Growing Nebraska Youth Summit (https://governor.nebraska.gov/gov-pillen-hosts-growing-nebraska-summit-inaugural-youth-summit-kearney), which encourage youth engagement in economic development.

A copy of Governor Pillen's executive order establishing this initiative was made available following its signing.