On Friday, the Senate Education Committee heard Senator Justin Eichorn’s (R-Grand Rapids) bill to help expand opportunities for students to learn about trades careers. The legislation helps fund a program to allow students the opportunity to take classes for high school and college credit while preparing them for a trades career opportunity.

“We have worker shortages in our trades industry,” said Senator Eichorn. “Not every student needs to get a four-year college degree. There are many great high-paying jobs available in the trades. This program will help give our students the ability to explore more career opportunities and help fill critical jobs that need to be filled.”

The bill appropriates $100,000 to the Department of Labor and Industry for a grant to the Minnesota Virtual Academy for a career pathway program with Operating Engineers Local 49. The grant will give schools greater flexibility to support students in an alternative pathway program if it’s in the best interest of the student.

The bill was laid over for possible inclusion in the Senate Education Omnibus bill.