The Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry supports a bill to help students train for jobs in high-demand industries across the state.
HB 331, sponsored by Rep. Ann Kelley (R-Lamar), would create a Career Tech Certificate Program and Career Tech Certificate Program Fund. The program would reimburse students for the cost of tuition, books and fees as they work toward a certificate or credential in an occupation experiencing a workforce shortage.
Training programs could include certified nursing assistant (CNA) programs, emergency medical technician (EMT) programs, and commercial driver’s license (CDL) programs. The Missouri Coordinating Board for Higher Education would update the list of career fields experiencing a major labor shortage annually.
To qualify for the Career Tech Certificate Program, students must meet the same requirements as the A+ Schools Program.
During a hearing before the Senate Education Committee, Kelley said, “This program ensures that Missouri is creating an opportunity for all students, not just for those students going to college. Our skilled trade careers have a huge workforce shortage, and this program will help meet those demands.”
Missouri Chamber Manager of Governmental Affairs Cade Tremain echoed this support.
“This will strengthen the public workforce, as well as strengthen the existing programs we already have,” Tremain said.
This bill mirrors SB 150, sponsored by Sen. Jill Carter (R-Granby), which the Senate passed in March.
For more information, contact Tremain at ctremain@mochamber.com or call (573) 634-3511.
