An Act Regarding Workforce Development, Education Reform And Talent Retention

This bill requires Maine high school students to complete an internship, apprenticeship, or cooperative education experience before graduation starting in 2027 (Sec. 1). It mandates the Department of Education to develop career exploration modules for middle and high school students focused on high-demand fields, connect students with employers, and fund this through repurposed underperforming programs (Sec. 2). Schools must track and report post-graduation outcomes like employment in high-demand fields, apprenticeship enrollment, and retention rates in postsecondary education (Sec. 3), while removing incentives that steer students toward 4-year degrees (Sec. 5). The bill also requires schools to provide information about apprenticeships, certification programs, and local employment opportunities to all high school students (Sec. 38) and redirect infrastructure funds to upgrade career and technical education facilities (Sec. 7).