The House Education Committee advanced Monday House Bill 334, which seeks to make it easier for students to apply certain credits toward job-training programs and for schools to establish or renew vocational programs.
If it becomes law, the Pennsylvania Department of Education would be required to create guidelines for when students can apply science, technology, engineering or math course credits toward a vocational-technical school, technical institution or vocational school.
The state also would establish a standard application form that would make it easier for schools to either establish and renew vocational programs.
The legislation was introduced by Government Oversight Committee Chairman Seth Grove’s (R-Dover).
“There remains a noticeable skills gap in Pennsylvania and this bill, and the entire package, addresses the issue by encouraging students to prepare themselves for good, high-tech jobs, which pay family-sustaining wages,” Grove said. “My legislation would help students apply credits earned through the completion of certain courses toward programs offered in vocational schools.”
The legislation seeks to allow students and schools to adapt to the ways students are educated and to prepare them for life, Grove said. It also provides students with the ability to earn higher wages and to hold fulfilling jobs, he said.
The bill now moves to the full House for further consideration.