H917 Summary

• Establishes the Board of Postsecondary Education Credentials located administratively within the Department of Administration to review and recommend development of a statewide system linking industry, employers, and educators to identify workforce training needs.

• Board membership consists of seven officials: Presidents of UNC and State Board of Community Colleges, Superintendent of Public Instruction, Commissioner of Labor, Secretary of Commerce, President of North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities, and Chair of State Board of Proprietary Schools.

• Board shall recommend state goals for the percentage of adult citizens holding degrees, certificates, or postsecondary credentials by 2025 and identify acceptable credentials and how responsibility for providing training shall be assigned among educators.

• Board tasked with addressing how postsecondary credentials convey skill levels and knowledge to employers and students, including recognition of skills obtained through military service, on-the-job training, and other experiences.

• Appropriates $350,000 in recurring funds for fiscal years 2017-2018 and 2018-2019 to the Department of Administration to cover operating expenses and staff support for the Board; becomes effective July 1, 2017.