FL H1343

Revises apprenticeship definitions to clarify that journeyworkers include mentors and skilled workers with documented knowledge, and allows apprenticeship programs to include online courses and remote training platforms.

Requires Florida College System institution presidents to develop articulation agreements with registered apprenticeship programs that include at least two general education courses and allow credit toward degree programs.

Exempts students enrolled in approved apprenticeship programs from tuition and fees, including lab fees, for courses taken at Florida College System institutions through articulation agreements.

Creates the Florida Apprenticeship Grant Program to provide competitive grants to Florida College System institutions for establishing new or expanding existing apprenticeship programs, with priority given to information technology, health, and machining/manufacturing fields.

Creates the Rapid Response Grant Program to award grants for expanding or implementing high-demand postsecondary programs at Florida College System institutions, with the Department of Education conducting annual assessments of program effectiveness in meeting labor market demand.

Takes effect July 1, 2016.