Bill H.34 amends current Vermont law regarding workforce education and training by designating the Commissioner of Labor and the Executive Director of the Office of Workforce Strategy and Development as co-leaders in this area. The bill introduces new responsibilities for these leaders, including the coordination of workforce education and employment programs, the establishment of job centers, and the development of strategies to reduce employee layoffs and business closures. It also emphasizes the importance of aligning workforce training with the needs of the available workforce and employers, as well as ensuring that training programs are effective and accessible.

Additionally, the bill mandates the creation of a publicly accessible inventory of workforce education and training programs, which will help assess the effectiveness of the workforce development system and identify best practices. The Executive Director is required to issue a comprehensive biennial workforce report to the Governor and relevant legislative committees, summarizing the performance of the workforce investment system and outlining future needs. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 10-540
As Passed By the House -- Official: 10-540
As Passed By the House -- Unofficial: 10-540