The last few years have been a whirlwind for the U.S. workforce. The market experienced pandemic-related retirements and layoffs; massive labor shortages as the economy recovered; and now artificial intelligence, which could alter the workforce for good. In response to these events, workforce training, strengthening and development remain priorities for state legislators.
In reviewing enactments from across the nations, NCSL identified four key workforce development themes from the past year:
- Apprenticeships
- Youth opportunities and employment
- Health care workforce incentives
- Data collection and evaluation
Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships are work-based learning programs that include both a paid work and an educational component. Apprenticeship programs are a tried-and-true way of getting workers into a specific field and trained without a large financial burden. Traditionally, apprenticeships have focused on the trades, but recently, apprenticeship models have expanded into industries like healthcare, technology and the performing arts. As in years past, legislatures continue to focus on advancing and promoting apprenticeships in their states.
Maine enacted substantial legislation on apprenticeships with HB 991. This bill provides for a substantial statewide assessment of the Maine apprenticeship program. It also allocates funding towards attracting underrepresented populations into apprenticeship opportunities.
Florida also enacted consequential legislation. SB 240 tasks numerous state agencies with expanding apprenticeship opportunities for youth, such as requiring partnership programs between local workforce agencies and employers.
Other Notable Legislation:
- Texas HB 4451: Requires the Texas Workforce Commission to create a report on apprenticeships for in-demand industries.
- Vermont HB 452: Creates a state registered apprenticeship program.
- Wyoming SB 78: Director of Department of Workforce Services must provide information to school districts regarding apprenticeship opportunities, student learner agreements and on-the-job training.
Youth Opportunities and Employment
Attitudes towards the value of higher education are shifting. Paired with the increasing retirement of older workers, many legislatures have focused on youth employment. Many of these bills aim to help students and young people explore career pathways and gain valuable skills for the workforce. Additionally, on helping youth provide valuable services to the state and their communities, from planting trees and surveying water quality to tutoring students or connecting people with health care.
Maryland has expressly focused on helping youth with a year of service. Senate Bill 551 creates the Youth Adult Service Year Option as well as a government fund that supports the program. The program is designed to provide meaningful service opportunities to participants, enable participants to successfully transition from high school to higher education or the workforce and to provide monetary education awards for participants who complete the program.
Recent Indiana legislation, House Bill 1002, provides career exploration and readiness opportunities for youth. The law requires most high school students to meet with an intermediary, employer, or labor organization to learn about career opportunities. Additionally, the legislation creates a scholarship program that provides scholarships for education outside of traditional four-year institutions, such as apprenticeships and short-term credentials.
Other Notable Legislation