State Rep. Karl Bohnak on Wednesday announced a legislative plan, House Bill 4082, to expand career and technical education (CTE) by empowering schools to offer more work-based learning opportunities. The newly proposed legislation also includes $2 million in grant funding for districts that incur extra costs related to students participating in work-based learning experiences.

“We’re facing significant labor shortages across Michigan, making it critical that we find ways to encourage school districts to offer more work-based learning opportunities,” said Bohnak, R-Deerton. “Currently, schools face financial disincentives when students enroll in off-campus CTE opportunities. My plan would ensure schools are receiving adequate funding so they can encourage kids to pursue trade-based careers.”

Many students participate in work-based learning opportunities; however, current Michigan Department of Education (MDE) rules say that schools only receive half the normal compensation for a student participating in CTE courses. Bohnak’s plan would increase that rate to 0.75% of the normal funding for students taking those courses, giving schools more resources to invest in work-based learning.

Currently, if students leave the classroom for work-based apprenticeships, the school loses funding, which can lead to schools discouraging these crucial opportunities to equip future generations for the workforce. Bohnak’s proposal would allow for high school youth apprenticeship experience to be an extension of concurrent state-approved CTE programs and incentivize school districts to supply and expand on these opportunities.

“Rural schools in the U.P. and across Michigan face unique hurdles when trying to offer CTE courses,” Bohnak said. “The funding we’re trying to secure would help districts who come across these roadblocks access the funding they need to overcome them. The goal is to connect students to programs that will lead them to future trades jobs, ultimately reversing the labor shortages we face today.”

House Bill 4082 was referred to the House Appropriations Committee for further consideration.

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