Senate Passes Koehler Bill Addressing Workforce Readiness Gap

COLUMBUS—The Ohio Senate passed Senate Bill 328, sponsored by State Senator Kyle Koehler (R-Springfield), requiring middle schools to offer career exploration instruction to students and to create a Return on Investment (ROI) Initiative to make state education and workforce data more accessible.
 
“Senate Bill 328 zeros in on the qualifications needed in Ohio's workforce and how current students can gain that information and skillset to study and work upon graduation,” said Senator Koehler. “This legislation helps students determine what they should do beyond high school, whether that is directly entering the workforce, achieving certification, military service, or planning to attend college."

Prioritizing student workforce readiness, SB 328 requires the Department of Education and Workforce to establish a statewide career coaching framework and develop new professional skills standards. Additionally, each public school is required to offer 60 hours in the study of career exploration for students in grades 6 to 8 to align with the new standards.

The bill now heads to the Ohio House for further consideration. The bill's progress can be followed here.

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