EXECUTIVE ORDER
19-20

WHEREAS, the State of Missouri continuously works to create a strong and diverse workforce that is prepared for a rapidly evolving state, national, and world economy; and

WHEREAS, having a strong and diverse workforce is essential to encourage new businesses and existing businesses to invest and grow in our State; and

WHEREAS, the State of Missouri intends to take steps to enhance education and workforce training in the State to foster talent and skills in its workforce to meet the current and future needs of employers; and

WHEREAS, efforts to develop and grow 21st century talent necessarily involve promoting collaboration across governmental agencies and private sector stakeholders; and

WHEREAS, apprenticeships and work-based learning provide people with experiences and opportunities to develop skills that employers value; and

WHEREAS, the creation of an office and committee that is dedicated to apprenticeships and work-based learning and focused on improving the quality and quantity of education and training offerings will most effectively channel these efforts:

NOW THEREFORE, I, MICHAEL L. PARSON, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF MISSOURI, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the State of Missouri, do hereby order that:

  1. The Office of Apprenticeship and Work-Based Learning (OAWBL) is hereby created as a distinct office within the Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development.
  2. The Commissioner of Higher Education shall have authority to hire the staff of the OAWBL and organize the OAWBL in a manner necessary and appropriate to achieve the objectives of this Executive Order.
  3. The primary objective of the OAWBL shall be to significantly increase the number of participants in apprenticeships, including federally registered, certified non-registered apprenticeships, earn-and-learn, and pre-apprenticeships, and other quality work-based learning experiences, which will be of significant benefit to our State and its people, with an immediate goal of increasing the number of participants in these programs to 20,000 by 2025. In order to promptly, comprehensively, and proactively respond to the current and anticipated future shortage of skilled workers in our State, all executive agencies are directed to cooperate with, and provide assistance to, the OAWBL in implementing this Executive Order to the fullest extent permitted by law.
  4. The duties of the OAWBL shall be as follows:
    1. Develop and implement a statewide strategy for expanding and modernizing apprenticeships and work-based learning programs;
    2. Engage and coordinate with the U.S. Department of Labor in expanding federal apprenticeship opportunities in our State, specifically targeting emerging industries and diverse populations;
    3. Engage and coordinate, through the Inter-Agency Committee on Apprenticeships, with all State agencies implementing apprenticeship programs and other similar earn-and-learn programs to ensure all agencies are working toward the same goals, establishing consistent statewide policies, and working to the greatest extent possible to align funding for programs;
    4. Lead, direct, and manage the application and implementation of all federal and external grant funds for the specific use of expanding apprenticeship and work-based learning programs;
    5. Support and expand work-based learning models for both youth and adult populations;
    6. Engage business and industry stakeholders in developing and implementing solutions in partnership with education systems;
    7. Utilize pertinent information and resources via an online portal that connects students and employers to opportunities for apprenticeships and work-based learning opportunities;
    8. Provide, through the Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development an annual progress report to the Governor concerning the OAWBL’s goals, activities, and performance; and
    9. Develop and update annually a statewide strategic plan for the recruitment and management of apprentices and the development and expansion of apprenticeship programs.
  5. The OAWBL shall have such other powers, duties, and responsibilities as may be designated by the Governor consistent with the exercise of executive authority under the Missouri Constitution and the laws of our State.
  6. To assist the OAWBL in achieving its duties, there is hereby created an Inter-Agency Committee on Apprenticeships to be convened at the direction of the OAWBL.
  7. Members of the Inter-Agency Committee on Apprenticeships shall be appointed by the Directors of each executive agency of the State with an apprenticeship or work-based learning program.
  8. The Director of every executive agency of the State with an apprenticeship or work-based learning program shall designate an employee as a member of the Inter-Agency Committee on Apprenticeships to attend all committee meetings.
  9. Members of the Inter-Agency Committee on Apprenticeships shall work alongside the OAWBL staff to ensure that the OAWBL achieves its goals, fulfills its duties, and implements a uniform statewide strategy for apprenticeship and work-based learning programs.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused to be affixed the Great Seal of the State of Missouri, in the City of Jefferson, on this 12th day of November, 2019.

[Michael L. Parson's signature]
Michael L. Parson
Governor

ATTEST:

[Jay Ashcroft's signature]
John R. Ashcroft
Secretary of State

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