Bill > SB1480

This bill directs the Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education to establish a two-year apprenticeship pilot program starting in the 2026-2027 school year, aiming to boost youth participation in apprenticeships. Two technology center school districts will be chosen to work with public schools to offer these opportunities, and each participating technology center will assign an employee as an apprenticeship coordinator responsible for connecting with employers, helping students join apprenticeships, and coordinating with public schools. Students aged 16 and older in participating public schools can join these apprenticeships and be paid for their work, but they, or their parents/guardians if under 18, must sign an agreement to protect employers from liability for claims arising from student participation, except in cases of gross negligence or illegal actions. The Department will provide the form for this agreement and must submit a report by December 1, 2028, evaluating the program's effectiveness and recommending whether it should continue. The bill also includes an emergency clause, meaning it will take effect immediately upon passage and approval, and specifies a July 1, 2026, effective date for the program itself.

Budget and Finance, Education

http://www.oklegislature.gov/BillInfo.aspx?Bill=sb1480&Session=2600