HB 2789-S - DIGEST
(SUBSTITUTED FOR - SEE 2ND SUB)

Finds that it is in the public interest of the state to encourage and facilitate the formation of cooperative relationships between business and labor and educational institutions that provide for the development and expansion of programs of educational skills training consistent with employment needs.

Finds that it is in the state's interest to make students aware of the educational training programs and career employment opportunities.

Requires the following to be implemented to expand opportunities for secondary school students to prepare for technical careers and related apprenticeships: (1) Centers of excellence and other colleges with a high density of apprenticeship programs shall act as brokers of relevant information and resources as provided for in this act;

(2) An educational outreach program coordinated by the Washington state apprenticeship and training council as provided for in this act; and

(3) The development of direct-entry programs for graduating secondary students, approved and overseen by the Washington state apprenticeship and training council as provided for in this act.

Provides that, subject to funding provided for the purposes of this act, the superintendent of public instruction in consultation with the Washington state apprenticeship and training council shall allocate grants on a competitive basis to up to four pilot projects to expand enrollment of secondary school students in career and technical programs that enable them to enter apprenticeships, particularly building and construction apprenticeships, upon graduation. The purpose of the pilot projects is to develop new collaborations among K-12 education and work force education providers and try new approaches to delivering instruction and career and technical education to secondary school students.