The proposed bill, known as "The Workforce Development Act of 2026," aims to amend and clarify the employment regulations for individuals under the age of 18 in West Virginia, specifically regarding youth apprenticeships. It establishes a "Youth Apprenticeship Program" that allows students in the eleventh or twelfth grade, or those who are 16 years or older, to enroll in apprenticeship programs, provided that these programs do not include occupations prohibited for children under 16. The bill outlines the responsibilities of the West Virginia Department of Education in setting standards and guidelines for the program, which will encompass various skills, including manufacturing and healthcare, and will link secondary education with postsecondary certification.

Additionally, the bill modifies existing labor laws concerning the employment of minors. It raises the minimum age for certain employment restrictions from under 18 to under 16 and specifies that children aged 16 and older may work in nonagricultural occupations as long as they comply with federal regulations and state laws. The bill also introduces provisions for students enrolled in the Youth Apprenticeship Program to work on machinery associated with occupations not prohibited by law, and it allows for limited exemptions for students performing roofing operations under specific conditions. Overall, the bill seeks to enhance workforce development opportunities for youth while ensuring their safety and compliance with labor laws.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 18-2-7, 21-6-2
Committee Substitute: 18-2-7, 21-6-2
Engrossed Committee Substitute: 18-2-7, 21-6-2