The bill establishes the West Virginia Micro-Credential Program under the authority of the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission, aimed at recognizing and validating skills acquired by students and employees through project-based and experiential learning. The program addresses the gap where individuals possess valuable skills but lack formal recognition, allowing them to demonstrate their mastery in a credible manner to educational institutions and employers. The legislation outlines the need for a standardized micro-credentialing system that can enhance workforce development by providing individuals with a comprehensive representation of their skills, particularly in manual labor and skilled trades.

The bill mandates the Chancellor or their designee to develop and administer the Micro-Credential Program, which will include standards and procedures for identifying skills, designing micro-credentials, and maintaining records. It also emphasizes collaboration with various stakeholders, including the Department of Commerce and educational institutions, to ensure that the micro-credentials align with workforce needs. Additionally, the program will focus on high-quality offerings that lead to measurable improvements in workforce participation and earnings, while also allowing for the use of innovative methods such as digital and on-the-job training to meet market demands.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 11-13W-1, 30-1B-2, 5B-1-11, 11-21-12o, 11-24-6d, 21-18-1, 21-18-2, 21-18-3, 21-18-4, 21-18-5
Committee Substitute: 11-13W-1, 30-1B-2, 11-21-12o, 11-24-6d, 18B-3D-8, 21-18-1, 21-18-2, 21-18-3, 21-18-4, 21-18-5
Committee Substitute for the Committee Substitute: 11-13W-1, 30-1B-2, 11-21-12o, 11-24-6d, 18B-3D-8, 21-18-1, 21-18-2, 21-18-3, 21-18-4, 21-18-5
Enrolled Version: 18B-3D-8