ST. PAUL – Today, a bipartisan group of lawmakers unveiled a bill to increase vocational and technical training in Minnesota schools. The bill, HF 1944, creates a VPSEO (Vocational Postsecondary Enrollment Options) pilot program where students take part in technical apprenticeships while gaining credit toward high school graduation. State Rep. Julie Sandstede (DFL – Hibbing) is a bill co-author, and participated in the press conference launching the initiative.
“There are many students who aren’t on a path to attend college, and they should have the opportunity to gain valuable skills as they explore potential career pathways,” Rep. Sandstede said. “This bill does so without causing competition between educational institutes for student dollars, but rather ‘whets the appetite’ for ongoing vocational and technical training.”
The pilot program during the 2018-2019 school year would operate in ten high schools, including at least three in greater Minnesota, three in Minneapolis and St. Paul, and three in the suburbs. Employers participating in the program would be eligible for tax credits up to $2,000, for a total of $100,000 in credits for each of the ten participating high schools. After the pilot program ends, the bill directs the Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Revenue to report to the Legislature an analysis on the pilot program’s effectiveness.
“There are countless high-demand fields seeking qualified candidates for jobs, and this program will connect young people with valuable hands-on experience and open up job opportunities,” Rep. Sandstede said. “With cooperating businesses receiving a tax credit, this bill creates a true ‘win-win’ situation.”
The bill’s first committee stop is the Education Innovation Policy Committee where it will be considered tomorrow at 8:15 a.m.