CT SB00837

Establishes a committee coordinated by the Commissioner of Education and Board of Regents for Higher Education to coordinate education, apprenticeships, and work-based learning opportunities for middle school, high school, and higher education students in manufacturing, real estate, construction, computer science, finance, engineering, health care, insurance, clean technology, and biomedicine.

Requires the committee to compile and publish a catalog by January 1, 2018, and annually thereafter of programs at public and independent institutions offering training in the specified industries, including degree types, completion requirements, enrollment processes, and costs.

Directs the committee to submit annual reports by February 1, 2018, and thereafter analyzing whether current educational programs meet Connecticut workforce needs in these industries.

Authorizes the Commissioner of Education to develop and administer a program introducing middle and high school students, parents, and guidance counselors to careers in the specified industries through hands-on learning, videos, social media, work-based learning, and on-site visits.

Requires the Labor Department to update its website by March 1, 2018, with simplified apprenticeship information, including a list of occupations with apprentices and a two-tiered list of high-growth jobs indicating living wage status and apprenticeship availability.