AN ACT to require the department of labor to study ways to increase the number of workers practicing the trades in the labor force of north carolina.

The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:

SECTION 1.  The Commissioner of Labor, in consultation with the Superintendent of Public Instruction and the Commissioner of Insurance and the Department of Commerce, shall study ways to increase the number of workers practicing the trades in the labor force in North Carolina. As part of the study, the Commissioner of Labor shall address all of the following:

(1)        The current process to become a worker practicing the trades in the following disciplines and all licensure requirements for each discipline:

a.         Plumbing.

b.         Heating and air conditioning.

c.         Electricity.

d.         Welding.

(2)        The current number of workers in the trades, by discipline listed in subdivision (1) of this section, categorized by age, number of working years, and years of licensure, if applicable.

(3)        The projected needs of the labor force in North Carolina over the next five to 25 years in the trades for each discipline listed in subdivision (1) of this section.

(4)        The process to become a worker practicing the trades for each discipline listed in subdivision (1) of this section, including educational requirements and experience requirements to become fully licensed in that discipline, if applicable.

(5)        The current options for a student in high school to become a worker practicing any of the trades in each discipline listed in subdivision (1) of this section.

(6)        The possibilities of establishing a high school program for students to opt to become a worker practicing the trades in one or more of the disciplines listed in subdivision (1) of this section and whether the program should include a residency option.

(7)        Whether students in programs such as NC LINKS could benefit from a high school program for students to opt to become a worker practicing the trades in one or more of the disciplines listed in subdivision (1) of this section.

SECTION 2.  There is appropriated two hundred fifty thousand dollars ($250,000) from the General Fund to the Commissioner of Labor for the purpose of contracting with an independent third party to conduct research for the study required by this act. The Commissioner of Labor shall report its findings and recommendations, together with any proposed legislative changes, to the General Assembly on or before March 1, 2023.

SECTION 3.  This act is effective when it becomes law.