Michigan bill would let full‑time senior apprentices earn high‑school credit

Representative Wolford introduced House Bill 5648 and said the measure aims to expand pathways from high school to skilled careers, addressing a statewide shortage of qualified trade workers. "This bill does not lower graduation standards," he said, adding it requires documented employment, employer verification, district oversight and parental consent.

Ron Kendall, president of Associated Builders and Contractors of Michigan, told the committee the industry is losing workers faster than it can replace them and that policies opening more avenues into the trades are needed: "For every five retirees is roughly replaced by about two people," he said, arguing the bill would help bridge that gap.

Steve Groau of Chestnut Homebuilders described hiring several workers straight out of high school and urged the committee to view on‑the‑job experience as a legitimate route to skilled work. "If this bill was to become law, oh my gosh, what a blow this would open the doors in a big way," he said, describing local partnerships with CTE programs and young workers who have grown into certified operators.

Committee members pressed sponsors on program details. Representative Wilson asked how students would keep up with classroom requirements if working 30 hours a week; Representative Wolford replied the provision targets seniors whose remaining coursework can often be satisfied while earning credit through supervised work. Members asked who in a district would verify training and monitor employment; witnesses said existing CTE staff or ISD personnel typically handle apprenticeship monitoring and that districts would retain discretion to accept or reject specific employer training as meeting credential standards.

Several members and witnesses noted flexibility and local control would be important. Sponsors said districts without capacity could decline to participate and that parental consent and district oversight are key safeguards. The committee did not take a final vote on the bill during the session.