SB 448 / Chamber Supports
There are literally thousands of credentials, certification and degree program offerings from dozens of educational institutions and training providers operating in the state. It’s often difficult for workers and employers to access programs that really meet their needs.
Senate Bill 448, authored by Sen. Greg Goode (R-Terre Haute), seeks to improve alignment of postsecondary training and degree programs to meet real world skills needs and to set priorities. A priority bill for both Gov. Braun and the Indiana Chamber, the bill passed the House Education Committee this week with significant amendments.
The Chamber testified in support of SB 448 last week, calling it one of the most impactful initiatives in workforce development this session. It is an important step towards achieving goals in the Chamber’s Indiana Prosperity 2035 plan, including raising postsecondary credential or degree attainment to 70% or higher.
The bill would require development of a plan for market driven, stackable credential and qualifications system around key industry sectors. It also directs the Commission for Higher Education with the responsibility to approve or disapprove higher education degree programs, schools, campuses and branches, and provides for new data collection and analysis on employment, income, credentials and other data necessary to improve evaluation and planning of training and education programs.
Significant work remains and the Chamber will continue to build partnerships and to help identify the skills and training needed by employers and workers to meet the needs and opportunities in a rapidly changing economy.
