Brief Description: Requiring the workforce training and education coordinating board to conduct research and advise the governor and the legislature regarding policies and programs to alleviate the high unemployment rate of young adults.

Sponsors: Senators Kilmer, Rockefeller, Schoesler, Shin, Fraser and Rasmussen.

Senate Committee on Higher Education
House Committee on Higher Education

Background: The Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board (WTECB) is a tripartite partnership of business, labor, and government with 11 members. The WTECB advises the Governor on workforce development policy, ensures that the state's workforce preparation services and programs work together, and evaluates performance. The Board also advocates for the nonbaccalaureate training and education needs of the workers who account for about 75 percent of Washington State's workforce.

Summary: In cooperation with the operating agencies of the state training system and private career schools and colleges, the WTECB conducts research into and evaluates programs and training systems designed to provide comprehensive work and learning programs for adult youth between the ages of 18 and 24 years of age. The research must include student demographic data, to the extent possible, and must also include a comparison of the effectiveness of the programs to the public investment. The WTECB reports to the Legislature by November 15, 2008, and every two years thereafter.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate      47   0
House      93   1   (House amended)
Senate      47   0   (Senate concurred)

Effective: June 12, 2008