Rhode Island 2023 Regular Session

Rhode Island House Bill H6477

Introduced
6/2/23  
Refer
6/2/23  
Report Pass
6/9/23  
Engrossed
6/12/23  
Enrolled
6/14/23  

Caption

Apprenticeship Pathways To Earning A Bachelor's Degree Act

Impact

This legislation is expected to significantly affect the educational landscape in Rhode Island by providing more accessible routes for students, particularly those engaged in vocational training. By enabling students to earn academic credits through their apprenticeship experiences, the bill aligns with state workforce needs, potentially increasing enrollment in high-demand degree programs. Furthermore, it may help address workforce skill gaps, particularly in industries facing shortages, thus contributing positively to economic development in the region.

Summary

House Bill 6477, known as the Apprenticeship Pathways to Earning a Bachelor’s Degree Act, aims to create nontraditional educational pathways for individuals to earn bachelor's degrees by integrating apprenticeship credits into public higher education institutions in Rhode Island. The bill mandates that by January 2024, state public higher education institutions adopt policies that acknowledge and transfer credits from registered apprenticeships towards degree completion, thus promoting practical work experience alongside academic study.

Contention

While the overall intent of H6477 is aimed at enhancing educational accessibility and workforce readiness, there may be concerns regarding the details of implementation. For instance, stipulations about how credits are to be awarded and standardized across institutions may lead to disputes over the adequacy of apprenticeship experiences versus academic rigor. The requirement for the Board of Education to review and approve each institution's policies could lead to variances in policy perception and execution, prompting discussions on issues of equitable access to these new pathways.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI S0178

Apprenticeship Pathways To Earning A Bachelor's Degree Act

RI S2287

Apprenticeship Pathways To Earning A Bachelor's Degree Act

RI SB00607

An Act Concerning Apprenticeship Pathways To Earning A Bachelor's Degree.

RI SB087

Teacher Degree Apprenticeship Program

RI B25-0055

Pathways to Behavioral Health Degrees Act of 2023

RI S508

LL to CPL/Apprenticeship Program

RI SB84

Teacher Degree Apprenticeship

RI SB668

Teacher Degree Apprenticeship

RI SB845

Pupil instruction: career technical education, career education, and apprenticeships.

RI HB116

Teacher Degree Apprenticeship

Similar Bills

CA SB638

California Education and Workforce Development Coordinating Entity: California Career Technical Education Incentive Grant Program.

CA SB33

California Environmental Quality Act: judicial and administrative proceedings: limitations.

CA SB789

California Environmental Quality Act: sports and entertainment project.

CA AB2358

Apprenticeships: discrimination: prohibition.

CA AB3231

Employment: public works: apprenticeship.

IA HF639

A bill for an act relating to apprenticeships and establishing an Iowa office of apprenticeship and Iowa apprenticeship council.(Formerly HSB 82.)

IA SF318

A bill for an act relating to apprenticeships and establishing an Iowa office of apprenticeship and Iowa apprenticeship council. (Formerly SSB 1086.) Effective date: 07/01/2023.

IA SSB1086

A bill for an act relating to apprenticeships and establishing an Iowa office of apprenticeship and Iowa apprenticeship council.(See SF 318.)