HB 2508-S2 - DIGEST

(DIGEST OF PROPOSED 2ND SUBSTITUTE)

     Promotes economic development in Washington by increasing the skills and productivity of workers.

     Declares that the purpose is to determine the future employment and training needs in high-demand industries and occupations to:  (1) Create partnerships with businesses, labor organizations, and industry associations that share common occupations for the purpose of determining their future employment and training needs;

     (2) bring together community colleges and other employment and training providers to develop programs that meet the employment training needs defined by the above industry partnerships;

     (3) expand the use of skills standards and customized training designed to meet the specific needs of business;

     (4) upgrade the skills of existing workers; and

     (5) support increased use of on-the-job learning strategies among small and medium-sized enterprises.