This week, State Representative Ron Gant (R-Rossville) passed House Bill 445, with unanimous support. HB 445 was brought to Rep. Gant by State Senator Mark Norris (R-Collierville) and it authorizes the development of work-based learning within Tennessee Board of Regents schools.
This important piece of legislation arose through an important partnership between the Tennessee Labor Education Alignment Program (LEAP) and House and Senate Republicans. State SUnder the new law, faculty at Tennessee’s universities will be able to create curriculum where students are able to use the skills they learn in the classroom and apply them in practical work scenarios. Additionally, it allows universities to offer class credit for participation with in work-based learning programs.
“Industry and construction are booming here in Tennessee because of the hard working students graduating from our state’s universities and technical colleges. This bill allows those students to gain valuable work experience, for class credit, before they even graduate,” said Representative Gant.
Once signed by the governor, LEAP educators, universities, and technical schools will begin crafting occupational programs that allow their students to receive the important work training that they need to succeed in their industry of choice.
“Since 2014, LEAP has led to over 19,000 workforce development experiences for Tennessee students in our high schools, TCATs and community colleges,” said Sen. Norris. “We’re excited to see the program grow and to see how many lives and families are changed when we’ve expanded to all of Tennessee’s 95 counties.”
LEAP is a statewide, comprehensive structure enabling students in Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology and community colleges to participate in technical training, developed with input from industry employers.
Ron Gant serves as the Assistant Majority Floor leader. He is also a member of the House Health Committee and the House Calendar and Rules Committee, as well as the House Insurance & Banking Sub and Full Committees. Ron lives in Rossville and represents House District 94, which includes Fayette, McNairy, and part of Hardeman County. He can be reached at rep.ron.gant@capitol.tn.gov or by phone at (615) 741-6890.
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