MA H631

Establishes a new Office of Career Technical Education within the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, led by a deputy commissioner appointed by the commissioner with board approval

Requires the office to develop student credentials aligned with the federal Employability Skills Framework, ensure instructor competency through occupational advisory boards and nationally validated testing, and support Industry Recognized Credentials (IRCs)

Mandates annual collaboration with Regional Workforce Boards to align career technical education programs with local labor market needs and employer requirements

Requires every comprehensive high school to provide access to at least 1 career technical education course or approved internship, and allows cities/towns to belong to both vocational and other regional school districts simultaneously

Creates a 2-year pilot program to incentivize collaboration between faculty and guidance counselors at schools with and without Chapter 74 vocational programs, with a report due to the legislature upon completion