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HF 1216

Apprenticeship readiness programming funding provided, and money appropriated.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Kaela Berg and 3 co-sponsors

Provides state funding for apprenticeship readiness programs to prepare and connect Minnesotans to registered apprenticeships.

Authors added Johnson, P.; and Gottfried
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Bill Summary · HF 1216

Summary of HF 1216 (2025-2026) – Apprenticeship Readiness Programming Funding Provided, and Money Appropriated

Overview

HF 1216 proposes to provide funding for apprenticeship readiness programming in Minnesota and appropriates money to support the development, administration, and delivery of these programs. The bill is introduced in the 2025-2026 session and has multiple named authors and co-sponsors. It was introduced and referred to the House committees on Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy.

  • Session: 2025-2026
  • Jurisdiction: Minnesota
  • Title: Apprenticeship readiness programming funding provided, and money appropriated
  • Primary action to date: Introduction and first reading; referral to relevant committees
  • Sponsors:
    • Authors: (initially) Xiong; later added Johnson, P.
    • Co-sponsors: David Gottfried, Kaela Berg, Natalie Zeleznikar, Pete Johnson

Purpose and Intent

The bill aims to expand access to apprenticeship opportunities by funding readiness programming. The core intent is to prepare individuals—particularly those who may face barriers to entry or success in apprenticeship programs—so they can qualify for and succeed in registered apprenticeships. By providing targeted funding for readiness efforts, the bill seeks to strengthen workforce pipelines and address skill shortages in Minnesota.

Key Provisions (as described in the bill text, or proposed framework)

While the exact statutory language is not included in the summary provided, the bill centers on:
- Funding for apprenticeship readiness programs: Financial support to develop, implement, and sustain programs that prepare participants for apprenticeship enrollment.
- Allocation of appropriated funds: Designation of state money (or other allowable funds) to specific readiness activities, such as coursework, pre-apprenticeship training, career navigation, and related wraparound supports.
- Program administration and coordination: Potential requirements for administering agencies to oversee readiness initiatives, track outcomes, and coordinate with apprenticeship sponsors and employers.
- Target population considerations: Likely emphasis on populations facing barriers to apprenticeship entry, including low-income individuals, underrepresented groups, displaced workers, or those lacking basic workforce readiness skills.
- Reporting and accountability: Possible reporting requirements to legislators or the Workforce committees on expenditures, participant outcomes (e.g., placement in apprenticeships, completion rates), and program effectiveness.

Note: The summary above reflects common elements in apprenticeship readiness funding bills. The exact provisions, dollar amounts, match requirements, timelines, and eligible entities would be defined in the enacted text of HF 1216.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Participants: Minnesota residents who participate in apprenticeship readiness programs, including students, job seekers, and workers seeking to enter trades or technical occupations.
  • Employers and Apprenticeship Sponsors: Benefit from a pipeline of prepared candidates and potential partnerships with readiness providers.
  • Training Providers and Community Organizations: Potential recipients or subgrantees of readiness program funds, including community colleges, workforce centers, and allied nonprofit organizations.
  • Agencies: State departments or commissions responsible for workforce development, apprenticeship system administration, and program oversight.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduction and First Reading: February 19, 2025.
  • Referral: The bill was referred to the House committees: Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy.
  • Next steps (typical):
    • Committee hearings to assess program design, funding levels, and impact.
    • Committee votes to advance or amend before moving to the floor.
    • If enacted, the appropriation and program parameters would become effective per the bill’s specified effective date(s) (not provided in the summary).

Potential Impacts and Considerations

  • Economic impact: By increasing readiness for apprenticeships, the bill could help reduce time-to-credential, improve job placement rates, and bolster Minnesota's skilled labor pipeline.
  • Equity and inclusion: Targeted readiness programming can help equitable access to apprenticeship opportunities for historically underrepresented or disadvantaged groups.
  • Accountability: Outcomes data and reporting would be important to assess program effectiveness and inform future funding decisions.

If you’d like, I can tailor this summary to include hypothetical or assumed figures (e.g., estimated funding levels) or align it with the specific fiscal notes or committee hearing materials once those become available.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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