CT SB00685

Establishes the Connecticut Apprenticeship and Education Committee under the Commissioner of Education and Board of Regents for Higher Education to integrate preapprenticeship and apprenticeship training programs into technical education, career schools, middle schools, and high schools.

Committee membership includes representatives from the Department of Economic and Community Development, Labor Department, Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology, Technical Education and Career System, Connecticut Manufacturers Collaborative, regional community-technical colleges, higher education institutions, Connecticut Employment and Training Commission, manufacturing companies, employee organizations, and school educators.

Committee shall evaluate whether existing preapprenticeship and apprenticeship programs meet workforce needs and identify alternative programs, including European apprenticeship models, in consultation with members of manufacturing, insurance, healthcare, science, technology, engineering, construction trades, and hospitality industries.

Committee must report by July 1, 2020, and annually thereafter to joint standing committees of the General Assembly on commerce, higher education, and employment advancement and labor.

Commissioner of Education shall introduce middle and high school students, parents, and counselors to careers in relevant industries through partnerships with private sector entities, and develop a best practices guide for local and regional school boards to incorporate industry relationships into curricula.