S-4466.1  _______________________________________________

                         SENATE BILL 6527

          _______________________________________________

State of Washington      53rd Legislature     1994 Regular Session

By Senators Sheldon, Erwin, Skratek, M. Rasmussen, Oke and Franklin

Read first time 01/26/94.  Referred to Committee on Trade, Technology & Economic Development.

Requiring an at-risk youth job placement and training program.

    AN ACT Relating to job placement and training for youth; adding a new section to chapter 43.330 RCW; and creating a new section.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION. Sec. 1.  (1) The legislature finds that the state's economy increasingly depends upon a well-educated work force with skills beyond basic academic skills.  The legislature also finds that the projection of a shortage of skilled workers in the state implies we must invest in the capacity of all citizens to be productive members of society.  At-risk youth are less likely than other youth to have developed skills that make them desirable employees, and they are also less likely to have employment and job training opportunities.

    (2) It is the intent of the legislature to strengthen the economy and to expand opportunities for at-risk youth by creating job placement and training projects at the community level.  It is the purpose of this act to enhance the career options and job readiness of at-risk youth.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 2.  A new section is added to chapter 43.330 RCW to read as follows:

    (1) The department shall develop and administer an at-risk youth job placement and training program.  The program shall provide grants to local groups to:

    (a) Identify and recruit at-risk youth for local job opportunities;

    (b) Provide skills and needs assessments for each youth recruited;

    (c) Provide career and occupational counseling to each youth recruited;

    (d) Identify businesses willing to provide employment and training opportunities for at-risk youth; and

    (e) Match each youth recruited with a business that meets his or her skills and training needs.

    (2) The director shall form a selection panel that shall assist in the development of the grant application and shall select successful applicants.  The panel shall be composed of representatives from business, labor, local communities, youth organizations, the work force training and education coordinating board, the office of the superintendent of public instruction, the employment security department, and the department of community, trade, and economic development.

    (3) To be eligible to receive grants under this program, an applicant group shall be, or have a sponsoring fiscal agent that is:

    (a) A nonprofit organization registered with the secretary of state;

    (b) An educational or training institution;

    (c) A local business or industry association;

    (d) A labor union;

    (e) A local government; or

    (f) A private industry council.

    (4) Additional consideration shall be given to applicant groups that demonstrate:

    (a) The collaboration of business, labor, education and training, community organizations, and local government in the job placement and training project;

    (b) The commitment of local resources to match the grant from the state; and

    (c) That the employment and training opportunities being developed for at-risk youth through the project prepare the individual for demand occupations.

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