HB14-1013: Advanced Industries Workforce Development Program

• Creates the Advanced Industries Workforce Development Program administered jointly by the State Workforce Development Council and Division of Employment and Training to reimburse businesses for up to one-half of expenses related to qualifying internships.

• Qualifying internships must be at least 160 hours, less than one year, in an advanced industry, provide stipends and mentorship, and allow students to gain experience in at least two specified occupational areas including software development, engineering, production, business operations, and research.

• Businesses may be reimbursed up to $5,000 per internship (maximum $2,500 for stipends) with limits of five interns per location and ten total across all locations; eligibility limited to advanced industry businesses with physical facilities in Colorado that are not government entities or higher education institutions.

• Appropriates $450,000 annually from the general fund for program reimbursements for fiscal years 2014-2016, plus additional general fund appropriation for administration and intermediary payments.

• Program sunsets effective July 1, 2020; requires annual reports to legislative committees beginning November 1, 2015 summarizing program activities and job placement outcomes.