AN ACT to compile information regarding the trades workforce and future training.

The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:

SECTION 1.  The following agencies and departments shall report the information specified in Section 2 of this act to the Fiscal Research Division of the General Assembly on or before December 31, 2023:

(1)        The Commissioner of Labor.

(2)        The Superintendent of Public Instruction.

(3)        The Commissioner of Insurance.

(4)        The Department of Commerce.

(5)        The University of North Carolina.

(6)        The North Carolina Community College System.

SECTION 2.  Each agency or department listed in Section 1 of this act shall compile and report information regarding each of the following, as seen, experienced, and anticipated by that agency or department:

(1)        The current process to become a worker practicing the trades in the following disciplines and all licensure requirements for each discipline, including educational requirements and experience requirements to become fully licensed in that discipline, if applicable:

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 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.

(5)        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.

(6)        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 3.  Upon receipt, the Fiscal Research Division shall begin to compile the information into a report for the General Assembly, which may be the basis of legislative action in 2024.

SECTION 4.  This act is effective when it becomes law.