An Act to increase student access to career technical education schools and programs which are aligned with regional labor market needs

HD 874 establishes a new Office of Career Technical Education within the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to coordinate and improve career-focused programs. It requires all comprehensive high schools to offer at least one career technical education course or approved internship, and mandates that programs align with regional labor market needs identified by workforce boards. The bill creates standardized student credentials based on workplace skills, supports industry-recognized certifications, and prioritizes access for underrepresented students, including English language learners and students with disabilities. These changes directly affect high school students, educators, and regional workforce planning efforts across Massachusetts.