HB 2630 - DIGEST
(SUBSTITUTED FOR - SEE 2ND SUB)

Creates the opportunity express program to: (1) Expand training and education programs, such as the worker retraining program, the opportunity grant program, and the opportunity internship program, to ensure that Washington citizens can get the training they need; and

(2) Create more effective intake and outreach systems to reach the greatest number of citizens and connect them to the resources they need.

Requires the state board for community and technical colleges to: (1) Give priority in receipt of college board worker retraining program funds to those applicants serving the aerospace, healthcare, high technology manufacturing, or renewable energy industries; and

(2) Create a single web site for advertising the availability of workforce education and training resources to Washington citizens who are unemployed, underemployed, or are in need of additional training.

Requires each community and technical college to: (1) Establish a partnership with the workforce development council for its respective region to link the programs and services targeted for worker retraining funding with overall regional economic development strategy as determined by the local workforce development council; and

(2) Annually prepare a worker retraining plan, in collaboration with the local workforce development council.

Prohibits the state board for community and technical colleges from authorizing colleges to use worker retraining funds until the local workforce development council has approved the college's worker retraining plan.

Creates the opportunity express account.