MN HF4605

Establishes a Youth Skill Path Program combining high school career and technical education with postsecondary credit, dual training, registered apprenticeships, and paid employment opportunities.

Allows students in grades 11-12, age 16 or older, or enrolled in nonpublic or homeschools to enroll in postsecondary career and technical education courses as part of the program.

Requires Departments of Education and Labor to jointly develop a list of approved youth skill path programs in skilled occupations including advanced manufacturing, health care, information technology, agriculture, transportation, childcare, and law enforcement.

Permits secondary education institutions to partner with postsecondary institutions to create two-year programs combining secondary and postsecondary credit with employment-based training to award associate's degrees.

Grants Department of Labor exemptions from wage and hour law for student learners, with hazardous equipment operation for ages 16-17 allowed through simulated cooperative training at designated sites.