§21-1E-3. Recognition of training and apprenticeships; maintenance of current list of apprenticeships.

(a) Beginning July 1, 2019, applicants for certification or licensure shall be permitted to apply training hours earned via career technical education provided by West Virginia public schools or an apprenticeship program or employer-sponsored training program towards the requirements for certification and/or licensure in the same occupation in accordance with the standards and procedures authorized in accordance with this article. The training hours accumulated by a student’s participation in the "Youth Apprenticeship Program" created in §18-2-7g of this code shall count towards the student’s certifications or licensures, if appropriate.

(b) The State Board of Education, Higher Education Policy Commission, and Department of Commerce shall jointly maintain a list of current apprenticeships throughout the state along with free career exploration resources and planning materials for postsecondary opportunities in addition to credentials, certifications, and/or exams that reflect industry requirements or lead to postsecondary credit.