Youth skills training pathway adjusted administratively; House bill held over

Representative Baeckberg updated the committee on House File 22‑38 (youth skills training) on Feb. 26, which sought to permit 16‑ and 17‑year‑olds in youth skills programs to work in construction corporate offices. Annie Welch of the Department of Labor and Industry told the committee the goal could be achieved administratively: DLI added project management as a pathway in information technology within the youth skills training program, enabling the intended placements without new legislation.

T.J. Hendrickson and other local educators described the benefits of youth skills training — industry certifications (OSHA 10), hands‑on projects, employer partnerships, and improved student engagement leading to jobs paying $18–$25 per hour in some cases. Hendrickson said students gained professional skills and industry certifications; his program reported students earning multiple certifications across nine weeks.

Representative Baeckberg and the Department of Labor praised local collaborators (Shakopee Schools, local chambers, industry partners) and the committee held the bill over rather than advancing it.

No committee vote was taken to enact statutory changes; the administrative path was presented as a current solution.