James Maroney

Maroney Bill to Create Apprenticeship Pathways
to a College Degree Approved by State Senate

HARTFORD, CT – Today legislation state Senator James Maroney (D-Milford) introduced which will create apprenticeship pathways to a Bachelor’s Degree passed the state Senate by a bipartisan, unanimous vote. Sen. Maroney said a college degree is increasingly becoming a necessity for individuals looking for work. He said this legislation will broaden the field of individuals who have access to a Bachelor’s and employment.

“By 2025, over 70 percent of the jobs in Connecticut will require a post-secondary credential, it is imperative that we ensure all of our young people have an equal opportunity to earn a Bachelor’s Degree,” said Sen. Maroney. “This legislation will provide those who learn best outside the classroom with the opportunity to earn important college credits while also sharpening their skills in the workforce.”

Senate Bill 607, “An Act Concerning Apprenticeships Pathways to Earning a Bachelor’s Degree,” will give the authority to the Labor Department and the Board of Regents for Higher Education to establish a plan for nontraditional pathways to earning a Bachelor’s at all state colleges and Charter Oak State College. Students will earn college credits for apprenticeship work. If enacted, The Labor Department and the Board of Regents for Higher Education will begin work on the plan on July 1, 2019 and have until the end of the year to finalize an apprenticeship pathways plan.

The plan will include, but not be limited to, the following:

• The subject areas students can earn a Bachelor’s Degree in through apprenticeships
• The form and manner in which apprenticeships are registered
• Student requirements for apprenticeship plan
• How students can apply for apprenticeship plan
• The number of credits students for apprenticeships
• The requirements for successful completion of an apprenticeship pathway

According to the Office of Fiscal Analysis, the legislation will have no fiscal note. Sen. Maroney, who runs a small business which helps prepare young people for college, said this legislation will not cost Connecticut taxpayers anything and will benefit our economy.

“This legislation will aide individuals in our state’s job market, positioning them for work in Connecticut,” said Sen. Maroney. “This will enable them to contribute to our state’s economy.”

Prior to passing the state Senate, SB 607 was approved by the Higher Education and Employee Advancement Committee by a bipartisan, unanimous vote. SB 607 now awaits a vote by the state House of Representatives and a signature from Governor Ned Lamont.