NC H1022

Commissioner of Labor shall study ways to increase trade workers in North Carolina's labor force, in consultation with the Superintendent of Public Instruction, Commissioner of Insurance, and Department of Commerce.

Study must address licensure requirements, current workforce numbers, projected labor needs over 5-25 years, educational and experience requirements, and current high school options for plumbing, heating and air conditioning, electricity, and welding disciplines.

Study must examine possibilities of establishing a high school trade program with optional residency component and whether students in programs such as NC LINKS could benefit from such a program.

Commissioner of Labor shall contract with an independent third party to conduct the research using $250,000 appropriated from the General Fund.

Commissioner must report findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislative changes to the General Assembly by March 1, 2023.