New Hampshire Senate Bill SB152

New Hampshire 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/19/23
• Refer: 1/19/23
• Report Pass: 2/15/23
• Report Pass: 3/8/23
• Engrossed: 3/21/23
• Refer: 3/21/23
• Report Pass: 4/26/23
• Report DNP: 4/26/23
• Enrolled: 6/13/23
• Chaptered: 6/21/23
• Passed: 6/21/23

Caption

Relative to New Hampshire workforce training programs.

Impact

Furthermore, the bill establishes the Career and Technical Education Workforce Development and Innovation Fund within the Department of Education. This nonlapsing fund will include funding from various sources including state appropriations and federal grants, which can be utilized to support the training and development initiatives outlined in the bill. The Department of Education is directed to work in coordination with businesses and various educational and training institutions to ensure that the workforce training programs address current and emerging industry needs. As such, the bill is expected to enhance employment opportunities by potentially increasing the number of skilled workers available in relevant fields.

Summary

SB152 is a legislative act aimed at enhancing workforce training programs in New Hampshire, specifically by fostering career pathways in marine trades and establishing an offshore wind industry workforce training center. The bill mandates the Department of Education to develop a marine trades pathway at regional career technology centers, provided there is a demonstrated need for workforce development in the area. The initiative is intended to expand training opportunities in sectors that are essential to the state's economy, particularly those related to marine trades and renewable energy sectors such as offshore wind.

Contention

The bill's development has sparked discussions regarding its implementation and funding. While supporters argue that it emphasizes essential skills training and prepares the state's workforce for future job opportunities, there are concerns about how effectively the funding will be allocated and the potential for administrative challenges in establishing the new training pathways. There is also the need for strong collaboration between educational institutions and industry representatives to address skills gaps in the labor market effectively. As the bill moves forward, stakeholders will be watching to see how the fund will be managed and whether it will meet the anticipated workforce demand across both marine trades and offshore wind industries.