Bill > S0726

This bill makes several changes to Florida's career and adult education laws, including updating the definition of "journeyworker" to encompass a broader range of skilled workers and clarifying that related instruction for apprentices can be delivered through various methods like electronic media. It also modifies the membership requirements for the State Apprenticeship Advisory Council to include public members independent of specific organizations and allows individuals to take the high school equivalency exam at age 16 if they formally declare their intent to terminate school enrollment. The bill revises program standards for career, adult, and community education to reflect quality components, includes career, academic, and workplace skills, and addresses distance learning and work/learn cycles. Furthermore, it increases the maximum number of authorized CAPE Digital Tool certificates, which are digital skills certifications for students, and establishes two new grant programs: the Florida Apprenticeship Grant Program (FLAG) to support new and expanded apprenticeship programs at career centers and Florida College System institutions, and the Rapid Response Grant Program to fund the expansion or implementation of high-demand postsecondary programs at career centers.