On Thursday, Feb. 9, Sen. Joe Rafferty, D-Kennebunk, introduced a bill to expand career and technical education programs to middle schools in Maine. The bill, LD 33, “An Act to Expand Access to Career and Technical Education Opportunities for Middle School Students,” was the subject of a public hearing before the Legislature’s Committee on Education and Cultural Affairs.

“As we have frequently heard, Maine faces numerous challenges in training the workforce needed by businesses statewide,” said Sen. Rafferty. “That is particularly evident in the trades. This proposed legislation removes roadblocks and allows for the current career and technical education centers in Maine to expand their programs to middle schools within their service districts.”

LD 33 would allocate funding to career and technical education centers to provide exploration programs for middle school students.

The bill faces further action in committee.