This bill requires that students complete an internship prior to graduating from high school beginning January 1, 2027. The bill also requires the Department of Education to:
1. Develop and implement a career exploration module for middle school and high school students;
2. Require school administrative units to track and report post-graduation outcomes and examine metrics that incentivize school administrative units to guide students toward
4-year degree programs;
3. Provide training on career counseling standards, including professional development for school counselors regarding career pathways in high-demand fields;
4. Mandate that all high school students receive information on a variety of post-graduation options, including apprenticeships, certification programs and local employment opportunities in high demand;
5. Redirect infrastructure funds to upgrade career and technical education facilities and equipment to meet industry standards;
6. Expand access to extended learning opportunity program coordinators, prioritizing underserved and rural areas;
7. Establish a competitive grant program for employers to partner with schools, career and technical education centers and the Maine Community College System to create new training opportunities to address workforce gaps;
8. Fund innovative pilot programs, such as mobile training units;
9. Develop, in consultation with the Department of Administrative and Financial Services, Bureau of Revenue Services, employer tax incentives for workforce investments;
10. Coordinate with the Department of Labor to address labor shortages in underserved regions by offering temporary housing and commuting or relocation stipends;
11. Conduct audits of workforce education to identify inefficient programs and, upon discovery, reallocate the funds to initiatives with measurable outcomes; and
12. Submit a report no later than December 3, 2025 to the Joint Standing Committee on Education and Cultural Affairs with suggested legislation.