§ 23-60-1003 — Manufacturing career pathway - design

(1) No later than the
2014-15 academic year, the board, after consulting with local district colleges and
area technical colleges, in collaboration with the department of labor and
employment, the department of higher education, the department of education, and
the state work force development council, created in section 24-46.3-101, C.R.S.,
shall design a career pathway for students within the manufacturing sector. The
manufacturing career pathway shall connect school districts, local district
colleges, area technical colleges, community colleges, and four-year institutions of
higher education with adult education programs, local workforce development
programs, and regional manufacturing sector partnerships, and will allow a student
to earn income while progressing along the career pathway.

(2) The manufacturing career pathway must include industry-validated
stackable certifications and multiple entry and exit points that allow students of all
ages to seek additional opportunities in the manufacturing sector. The
manufacturing career pathway designed by the board must include, but need not be
limited to, the following components:

(a) Alignment with the skills and requirements that state and local
manufacturing sector employers, through manufacturing sector partnerships,
determine are necessary for career progression in high-demand occupations within
the manufacturing sector;

(b) A full range of middle school, secondary, adult education, and
postsecondary education options, with a nonduplicative, clearly articulated course
progression from one level of instruction to the next, with opportunities to earn
postsecondary credits, maximize credit for prior learning, and secure industry-validated credentials;

(c) Technical skill assessments at multiple points in the manufacturing
career pathway that lead to industry certifications or other value in employment,
including advanced placement into a higher level of training;

(d) Academic and career counseling resources, best practices in wraparound
support services, particularly at transition points along the manufacturing career
pathway, and support and development of individual career and academic plans;
and

(e) Curriculum and instructional strategies that are appropriate for adult
students and that embed learning and skill building in a work-related context.

Legislative History

Source: L. 2013: Entire part added, (HB 13-1165), ch. 305, p. 1619, � 1, effective August 7. L. 2016: (1) amended, (HB 16-1082), ch. 58, p. 149, � 31, effective August 10.