CT HB06430

Establishes a regional council convened by the Office of Workforce Competitiveness in consultation with Capital Workforce Partners to align education and workforce development across early childhood, primary, secondary, higher education, and workforce training sectors.

Regional council must include educators, workforce development board representatives, business leaders, and civic officials with the goal of creating effective education and career pathways that increase the number of skilled workers with postsecondary credentials.

Requires the regional council to develop a strategic plan by January 1, 2015, addressing career academies, high school skill attainment, alternative education pathways, early college high schools, community and technical college programs, and assistance for municipalities with high unemployment.

Defines "early college high school" as tuition-free programs allowing low-income and underrepresented students to earn a high school diploma and associate degree or two years of bachelor's degree credit simultaneously.

Requires interim report to the joint standing committee on higher education and employment advancement by January 1, 2014, on the development of the strategic plan.