§18-2B-9. Governor’s Workforce Credential.

(a) The Governor’s Workforce Credential is a joint initiative between the Governor, the State Board and the State Superintendent aimed at preparing students to enter the workforce with industry ready skills and abilities that meet business and industry expectations. This credential creates a way for employers to identify potential employees who are prepared to enter the workforce and understand the industry accepted expectations of such employees. The credential honors those students who are able to meet or exceed rigorous requirements within their Career and Technical Education programs.

(b) The State Superintendent shall annually award the Governor’s Workforce Credential to students in their senior year who meet the requirements to receive the credential as set forth in State Board policy.

And, in Section §18-5-18g of the Senate amendment, on line 5, following the words “enrolled in public schools” by inserting the following: “Provided, however, That no such student may displace a public school student.”

And to amend the title of the bill by striking the title and inserting in lieu thereof a new title to read as follows: Eng. Com. Sub. for House Bill 4428--A Bill to amend the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, by adding thereto a new section, designated §18-5-15g; to amend said code by adding thereto a new section, designated §18-2B-9; to amend said code by adding thereto a new article, designated §21-1E-1, §21-1E-2, §21-1E-3, §21-1E-4, and §21-1E-5; and to amend said code by adding thereto a new article designated §30-1E-1, §30-1E-2, §30-1E-3, and §30-1E-4, all relating to addressing workforce needs; requiring county boards of education to permit students who are homeschooled or attend private schools to enroll and take classes at the county’s vocational schools under certain conditions; defining and setting forth purpose of Governor’s Workforce Credential and providing for State Superintendent to award Credential to students in senior year who meet requirements set forth in State Board policy; requiring standards and procedures for applying career technical training acquired in public schools, apprenticeships and training programs toward occupational testing, certification and/or licensure; establishing purpose; providing definitions; requiring rules providing standards and procedures be proposed by Commissioner of Labor and by licensing boards and commissions; requiring certain career and education related information be provided to high school students; and requiring Commissioner of Labor rule to include guidelines for collection and dissemination of information in manner easily accessible to both students and their parents.