SENATE SUBSTITUTE:

This bill would amend Chapter 2 of Title 20 of the O.C.G.A. to provide work based learning programs in K-12. It changes the terminology from “Youth Apprenticeships” to “work based learning program” and “apprentice” to “student learner.” Any student aged 16 or over in a public school could participate, even if they were not yet in 11^th or 12^th grade. Approval for student placement would change from the DOE to a local work based learning coordinator, and DOE guidelines would be followed if credit is to be awarded. The program may include employability skill development, service learning, cooperative education, internships and youth apprenticeships, but changes in current requirements would consist of:

1. A training agreement between employer and student;

2. One unit of credit in a career pathway course related to the placement;

3. A minimum number of hours as outlined in the DOE requirements in the guidelines;

4. No required progressive wage schedule;

5. On-site evaluation of the student’s performance;

6. Elimination of specific required skills in favor of those related to the students’ career pathway;

7. Development of promotional materials by business, industry and the labor community for awareness and recruitment;

8. In the case of youth apprenticeships, a postsecondary credential (not a certificate) related to the career pathway.

9. LEA’s and college and career academies may designate one or more coordinators to oversee the work based learning programs.

10. Local work based learning coordinators would have to complete training designed by the DOE in partnership with TCSG.

11. LEA’s would be responsible for encouraging and supporting partnerships with industry and for providing professional learning credit for teachers who participate in training.

12. A participating college and career academy would be eligible for any funding or available assistance to implement the program.