HB 1061-S - DIGEST

(DIGEST AS ENACTED)

Finds that: (1) Apprenticeships are very rigorous and highly structured programs with specific academic and work training requirements;

(2) There is a misperception that apprenticeships are only for noncollege bound students; and

(3) The state should expand opportunities for individuals to progress from an apprenticeship to college by creating pathways that build on the apprenticeship experience and permit apprentices to earn an associate degree.

Provides that an apprenticeship committee may recommend to its community or technical college partner or partners that an associate degree pathway be developed for the committee's program.

Provides that, in consultation with the state board for community and technical colleges, the apprenticeship committee and the college or colleges involved with the program shall consider the extent apprentices in the program are likely to pursue an associate degree and the extent a pathway could reduce redundancy of course requirements between the apprenticeship and a degree.

Provides that, if the apprenticeship committee and the college or colleges involved with the program determine that a pathway would be beneficial for apprentices and assist them in obtaining an associate degree, the apprenticeship committee may request that a pathway be established as provided in this act.

Directs the state board for community and technical colleges to convene a work group to examine current laws, administrative rules, and practices regarding related and supplemental instruction for apprentices that is provided by community and technical colleges.

Declares that the objectives of the work group shall be to improve coordination of related and supplemental instruction by apprenticeship committees and community and technical colleges and remove or reduce barriers for apprentices to earn associate degrees.

Requires the work group to report its findings and recommendations to the legislature, including recommendations for legislative action if necessary, by December 15, 2003.