California’s top Senate Democrat has introduced a bill that would provide career-training for students. Senate President pro Tem Darrell Steinberg said his legislation would create a skilled workforce to help businesses finance partnerships with schools.
“Ultimately the goal is more young people who complete these pathway programs being hired in the industry and hopefully hired in and with a high-wage job,” Steinberg said.
The bill would give businesses tax credits for investments in work-based learning. It would establish trust funds in community colleges and public school districts to finance career programs. And the state could issue workforce development bonds for financing programs under the bill.
Business and labor leaders who support the legislation said fewer students are taking vocational education and more are dropping out. They are hoping the bill would prevent that.
