Bill > H685

This bill establishes a state-funded program to support vocational school training and education in the clean energy and climate technology workforce. The program aims to help students prepare for high-demand occupations by creating collaborative partnerships between employers, educational institutions, and workforce development organizations. Under a grant program, eligible applicants such as employers, educational institutions, workforce boards, and nonprofit organizations can receive funding to develop training initiatives that will improve employment opportunities in the clean energy sector, with a specific focus on supporting low-income individuals, women, minorities, and environmental justice populations. The program includes goals like increasing internship and apprenticeship opportunities, enhancing instructor capacity, supporting worker retention and upskilling, and creating career advancement pathways. Grant proposals must include specific workforce training goals, evidence-based programs, detailed budgets, and projected enrollment and employment outcomes. The board of education will oversee the program, consult with various state offices and organizations, and file annual reports to legislative committees detailing the program's activities, participant numbers, and employment results. Importantly, the program is designed to complement, not replace, existing training and educational funding sources.

Budget and Finance, Education

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H685