The Indiana House has unanimously passed a bill that would reallocate existing state funds to support workforce programs throughout the state. Authored by Rep. Holli Sullivan (R-Evansville), House Bill 1002 aims to boost workforce development efforts to give Hoosiers the opportunity to increase their certifications, earn stackable credentials and secure high-paying jobs in high-demand fields.
This story by Alex Brown originally appeared in Inside Indiana Business.
Sullivan said the bill would also prioritize career and technical education and provide additional flexibility for schools to partner with employers and establish more work-based learning opportunities. It will create the Career Coaching Grant Fund Program, which will be administered by the Governor’s Workforce Cabinet.
“Helping schools partner with local companies and industry experts will aid in our goal of educating and training the next generation of Indiana’s workers,” Sullivan said. “The Career Coaching Grant Fund Program is designed to help students and parents become knowledgeable of postsecondary certificate and degree pathways eligible for them to pursue earlier in their middle school and high school career.”
She adds the bill would build off previous workforce efforts and continue to strengthen Indiana’s talent pipelines.
The bill now heads to the Senate for consideration.
