GA SB497

Redesignates the High-demand Career Initiatives Program as the High Demand Apprenticeship Program and reduces the contract completion award from $10,000 to $5,000 per apprentice for contracts entered into on or after July 1, 2024, while increasing the cap on eligible apprentices per employer sponsor from 5 to 10 per year beginning in Fiscal Year 2025.

Authorizes the Office of Workforce Development to split the $5,000 per-apprentice award into two payments: up to $2,500 as initial funding and up to $2,500 twelve months after the apprenticeship begins.

Creates a new Public Service Apprenticeship Program for state and local government entities, allowing public service sponsors to contract with the State Board of the Technical College System of Georgia for up to 10 apprentices per year, with contract completion awards not exceeding $5,000 per apprentice. The program sunsets on July 1, 2027.

Requires application scoring criteria to prioritize apprentices aged 15–21, those in adult education programs, those enrolled in or completing a CTAE public administration pathway, and those in state/local government skilled trade fields.

Adds "apprenticeships" to the definition of "public benefit" under Georgia's verification requirements statute (Code Section 50-36-1).