STATE OF INDIANA
EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT
INDIANAPOLIS
FOR: CREATION OF THE OFFICE OF APPRENTICESHIP & WORK-BASED LEARNING
TO ALL WHOM THESE PRESENTS MAY COME, GREETINGS.
WHEREAS, the State of Indiana has cultivated a strong and diverse economy that encourages new businesses to originate here and existing businesses to reinvest, innovate and grow in our State;
WHEREAS, having a workforce that is prepared for a rapidly-evolving state, national and world economy is essential for our State and its people to thrive and prosper;
WHEREAS, it is imperative that our State promptly take steps to enhance education and workforce training in order to build capacity and foster talent and skills to meet the current and future needs of employers;
WHEREAS, with approximately 2.7 million Hoosiers working in the private sector (which is the most in our State's history), it is essential for education and training to involve work-based learning, be competency-driven, and align to skills that employers need;
WHEREAS, efforts to develop and grow 21st Century talent necessarily involve promoting collaboration across governmental agencies and private sector stakeholders;
WHEREAS, apprenticeships and work-based learning provide people with experiences and opportunities to develop skills that employers value;
WHEREAS, the ability of Hoosier employers, educators, students, and parents to access information and resources needed to create, sustain, and cultivate apprenticeship and work-based learning experiences for both the youth and adult populations of our State, will benefit all Hoosiers; and
WHEREAS, the creation of an office that is dedicated to apprenticeship and work-based learning, and focused on improving the quality and quantity of education and training offerings, will most effectively channel these efforts;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Eric J. Holcomb, by virtue of the authority vested in me as Governor of the State of Indiana, do hereby order that:
1. The Office of Apprenticeship & Work-Based Learning ("OAWBL") is hereby created as a distinct office within the Department of Workforce Development ("DWD").
2. The DWD Commissioner shall hire a Director of the OAWBL ("Director"), subject to the Governor's approval. The Director shall organize the OAWBL in a manner necessary and appropriate to achieve the objectives of this Executive Order, and shall also consult with employers and industry representatives across our State for their strategic guidance in connection therewith.
3. To the fullest extent permitted by law, the OAWBL shall:
a. Engage and coordinate with the U.S. Department of Labor ("USDOL") in expanding federal apprenticeship opportunities in our State, specifically targeting emerging industries and diverse populations;
b. Develop a framework for state-approved, pre-apprenticeship models for youth, as well as "earn-and-learn" programs for the adult population, that complement and enhance the federally-registered apprenticeship model overseen by the USDOL;
c. Support and expand work-based learning models for both youth and adult populations;
d. Engage business and industry in developing and implementing solutions in partnership with education systems;
e. Increase business and industry engagement in schools through a coordinated structure;
f. Utilize pertinent information and resources via an online portal that connects students and employers to opportunities for apprenticeships and work-based learning opportunities;
g. Create turn-key models for implementation in industries as well as education systems;
h. Evaluate and provide recommendations that might enhance the OAWBL's undertakings, including, for example, whether the establishment of a non-profit corporation may be of benefit or assistance in achieving the objectives of this Executive Order, by engaging with and encouraging involvement of businesses as to apprenticeship and work-based learning under a potential public-private model; and
i. Provide, through the DWD Commissioner, quarterly progress reports to the Governor in connection with the OAWBL's undertakings.
4. The primary objective of the OAWBL shall be to significantly increase the number of participants in apprenticeships (including federally-registered, earn-and-learn, and pre-apprenticeships) and other quality work-based learning experiences, which will be of significant benefit to our State and its people, with an immediate short-term goal of doubling the number of participants in these programs by the end of 2019.
5. The OAWBL shall have such other powers, duties, and responsibilities as may be designated from time to time by the Governor consistent with the exercise of executive authority under the Indiana Constitution and the laws of our State.
6. In order to promptly, comprehensively, and proactively respond to the current and anticipated future shortage of skilled workers in our State, all state agencies and instrumentalities are directed to cooperate with, and provide assistance to, the OAWBL in implementing this Executive Order, to the fullest extent permitted by law.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I, Eric J. Holcomb, have hereunto set my hand and caused to be affixed the Great Seal of the State of Indiana, on this 1st day of March, 2018.
Eric J. Holcomb
Governor of Indiana
Posted: 04/04/2018 by Legislative Services Agency
DIN: 20180404-IR-GOV180162EOA
Composed: Apr 25,2024 8:02:57PM EDT
A
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