Expansion Of Experiential Learning Opportunities

The act requires, on or before January 1, 2023, the department of labor and employment (department), in partnership with the business experiential-learning commission in the department, the office of economic development, the state work force development council, local district colleges, the departments of education and higher education, the state board for community colleges and occupational education, and area technical colleges, to provide incentives to eligible employers to create high-quality, work-based learning opportunities for adults and youth (incentive program).

The department is required to select at least 2 work-based learning intermediaries (intermediaries) to coordinate employers, schools, youth, and adults participating in the incentive program to establish work-based learning opportunities and select employers to participate in the incentive program.

The department is required to provide monetary incentives to the selected intermediaries and employers for the implementation of work-based learning opportunities. The department is required to compile data concerning the incentive program and submit a report to the business committees of the senate and house of representatives during the "SMART Act" hearings held each legislative session.

On or before January 1, 2023, the office of future work in the department and its partners are required to create a digital navigation program and employ digital navigators to:

• Reach out to youth and adults who have been historically excluded or disengaged from work-based learning opportunities and connect them with available opportunities;
• Address digital inequities, including access to digital technology and computer and technology skills training, cybersecurity, and affordable internet service;
• Refer youth and adults to career navigation services; and
• Provide a one-stop service that includes: Making referrals to work-based learning programs; facilitating enrollment in digital literacy classes, workshops, and upskilling and work-based learning opportunities; and assisting with digital skill development, job applications, and access to other benefits and services.

The act authorizes the executive director of the department to promulgate rules to implement the incentive program and the digital navigation program.

The office of new Americans in the department is required to:

• By September 1, 2022, convene a global talent task force to study the pathways for obtaining certain in-demand occupational licenses, look at international credentials, and take advantage of the global pool of skilled workers; and
• By January 1, 2023, establish a virtual, career-aligned English as a second language program to provide tools for new Americans and English language learners to enter into work-based learning programs to improve language and skills development for specific occupations and careers.

$6,100,000 is appropriated from the general fund to the department for use in the 2022-23 state fiscal year for:

• State operations and program costs;
• The office of future work; and
• The office of new Americans.

If the department does not expend the appropriated amount by July 1, 2023, the money ir further appropriated to the department for use in the 2023-24 state fiscal year.

$11,319 is appropriated from the general fund to the legislative department for use by the general assembly.

(Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)