HI SB2475

Appropriates general revenues to the University of Hawaii for fiscal year 2018-2019 to continue and expand health care apprenticeship programs at community colleges (specific dollar amount not specified in bill text).

Recognizes apprenticeship programs as effective models combining on-the-job training with structured classroom and laboratory instruction, with hours applicable toward associate degrees.

References a 2016 U.S. Department of Labor grant of $1,167,291 awarded to expand apprenticeship opportunities in information technology and health care fields.

Identifies community health workers as addressing shortages in physicians, pharmacy technicians, nursing assistants, paraoptometric technicians, medical laboratory workers, and services for homeless individuals in Hawaii.

Takes effect July 1, 2018.