SB 343: Career technical education: high school graduation requirements: apprenticeship and preapprenticeship programs.
The bill aims to allow students to meet the graduation requirement for visual or performing arts, foreign language, or career technical education by completing an approved apprenticeship or preapprenticeship program. This program must be approved by the division or registered with the US Department of Labor. To be eligible, the program must meet specific requirements, including evaluation by the division of apprenticeship standards. This change would provide alternative paths for students to fulfill the graduation requirement, potentially opening up more opportunities for career training and skill development.
| Feb. 02, 2026 | Returned to Secretary of Senate pursuant to Joint Rule 56. |
| Jan. 05, 2026 | From committee with author's amendments. Read second time and amended. Re-referred to Com. on ED. |
| Feb. 19, 2025 | Referred to Com. on ED. |
| Feb. 13, 2025 | From printer. May be acted upon on or after March 15. |
| Feb. 12, 2025 | Introduced. Read first time. To Com. on RLS. for assignment. To print. |
| Amended IN Senate January 05, 2026 |
| Introduced by Senator Grayson |
February 12, 2025 |
LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST
Existing law requires the Commission on Teacher Credentialing to, among other things, establish standards for the issuance and renewal of credentials, certificates, and permits, as specified. Existing law imposes minimum requirements for a preliminary multiple subject, single subject, or education specialist teaching credential. Existing law specifies minimum requirements for the 3-year preliminary designated subjects career technical education teaching credential and the 5-year clear designated subjects career technical education teaching credential.
This bill would require the commission to grant a waiver from the minimum requirements for the 3-year preliminary designated subjects career technical education teaching credential and the 5-year clear designated subjects career technical education teaching credential to an individual meeting prescribed requirements, including, among other things, having a valid industry-recognized certification in a trade designated by the commission. The bill would require the commission to develop and maintain a list of designated trades eligible for the waiver, as provided.
The people of the State of California do enact as follows:
SECTION 1.
Section 51225.45 is added to the Education Code, to read:51225.45.
(a) A local educational agency may deem a pupil who successfully completes a course, or a series of courses, provided in an apprenticeship or preapprenticeship program to have fulfilled the requirements of subparagraph (E) of paragraph (1) of subdivision (a) of Section 51225.3 if the apprenticeship or preapprenticeship program meets all of the following requirements:(a)The commission shall grant a waiver from the minimum requirements prescribed in Sections 44260 and 44260.1 to an individual meeting all of the following requirements:
(1)Possesses a valid industry-recognized certification in a trade designated by the commission pursuant to subdivision (b).
(2)Has a minimum of five years of documented work experience in a trade designated by the commission pursuant to subdivision (b).
(3)Successfully completes a commission-approved course on teaching and classroom management.
(b)The commission shall develop and maintain a list of designated trades eligible for a waiver pursuant to subdivision (a). The list of designated trades shall include, but is not limited to, general contracting, masonry, welding, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC), electrical, auto and diesel repair, healthcare, and medical field trades. The commission shall consider the following factors when designating additional trades to include on the list:
(1)Whether the trade requires a high level of skill and knowledge.
(2)Whether there is a demonstrated shortage of qualified career technical education instructors in the trade.
(3)Whether the trade has established industry-recognized certification programs that include all of the following:
(A)A minimum of 4,000 hours of documented, supervised work experience in the trade.
(B)A comprehensive examination process covering both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
(C)Ongoing professional development and continuing education requirements.
(D)A system for tracking and reporting work experience and continuing education to an industry-recognized certification body or state licensing board.
(c)The commission shall adopt regulations to implement this section.