Education: graduation requirements; credit for working certain trades; provide for. Amends sec. 1278a of 1976 PA 451 (MCL 380.1278a) & adds sec. 1279i.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Greg Alexander and 17 co-sponsors

HB 5648 allows Michigan high school students to earn graduation credits through apprenticeships and skilled trades work, addressing workforce shortages while offering alternativ...

placed on third reading

#education:graduationrequirements

Legislative bill overview

HB 5648 proposes amendments to Michigan's education code to allow students to earn high school graduation credits by demonstrating competency in certain skilled trades. The bill modifies Section 1278a of the 1976 Public Acts and creates a new Section 1279i, establishing a framework whereby work experience or apprenticeship in designated trades can count toward graduation requirements rather than requiring traditional classroom instruction in those subjects.

Why is this important

This legislation directly addresses Michigan's skilled trades labor shortage and the growing disconnect between traditional academic pathways and workforce needs. By creating an alternative credit pathway through trades work, the bill could increase high school completion rates among students oriented toward technical careers, reduce time-to-employment, and help fill critical workforce gaps in construction, manufacturing, and other skilled sectors. It also reflects a broader national trend recognizing that not all students benefit from or require traditional academic curricula for meaningful economic participation.

Potential points of contention

Quality and standardization concerns: Without clear specifications on which trades qualify, assessment standards, and competency benchmarks, districts may implement inconsistent or inadequate standards. Employers may lack confidence in the credential.

Equity and access: Students in rural or under-resourced districts may lack access to quality apprenticeships or trade partnerships, creating disparities. Lower-income students could be inadvertently tracked away from college-preparatory pathways.

Employer participation burden: The bill's success depends on businesses willing to sponsor and mentor students, which imposes costs and liability concerns that may limit employer participation.

Accountability gaps: The bill's specifics on oversight, credit equivalency determinations, and dispute resolution are unclear at this stage.

College preparedness: Questions remain about whether trade credits adequately prepare students for post-secondary options if they later choose college pathways.