STATEHOUSE — State Representative Rhonda Rhoads (R-Corydon) joined Governor Mike Pence today as he signed Senate Enrolled Act (SEA) 465 into law. SEA 465, cosponsored by Rep. Rhoads, creates Indiana Works Councils to evaluate the vocational, technical and career education programs available to Hoosiers. The governor will designate geographic regions throughout the state and appoint council members. “There are still a significant number of unemployed Hoosiers,” said Rep. Rhoads. “However, this is not always due to a lack of available jobs. Thousands of available jobs are remaining unfilled because individuals are not educated or trained to a level high enough to qualify for the positions.” Each council will be required to prepare and submit a comprehensive evaluation of the career, technical and vocational education opportunities available to high school students in its region. From this, each council may design demand driven curricula, internships and other educational opportunities to align educational pathways to high-wage, high-demand jobs. The curricula is subject to the approval of the Indiana State Board of Education, which would serve as an alternative means for high school students to realize additional employment opportunities and fill needed jobs. “SEA 465 will complement the efforts of House Bill 1002 which creates the Indiana Career Council,” said Rep. Rhoads. “It is imperative to the success of our state that workers are prepared to compete in a modern economy.” The Indiana Career Council will be a 16-member council with the key players from all major industries and government entities involved in Indiana’s workforce development and education systems. The council will take a more holistic approach in evaluating the different agencies and initiatives in place to better coordinate the state’s efforts to shrink the skills gap. HB 1002 has been sent to the governor to be signed into law. SEA 465 went into effect upon passage. -30- |
