Workforce training program for cannabis industry

(a) The Social Equity Council, in coordination with the Department of Economic and Community Development and Labor Department, shall develop a workforce training program to further equity goals, ensure cannabis establishments have access to a well-trained employee applicant pool, and support individuals who live in a disproportionately impacted area to find employment in the cannabis industry. (b) The Social Equity Council, in consultation with the Department of Economic and Community Development and Labor Department, shall: (1) Consult with cannabis establishments on an ongoing basis to assess the hiring needs of their businesses; (2) Develop a universal application for prospective enrollees in workforce training programs as part of the workforce training programs developed pursuant to this section; (3) Partner with the regional workforce development boards and institutions of higher education to develop workforce training programs; (4) Develop a series of cannabis career pathways so that workers have the ability to vertically advance their careers within the cannabis industry; (5) Partner with associated training providers to track and report performance outcomes of participants entering a cannabis workforce training program. Performance outcomes shall include, but not be limited to, enrollment, completion and placement of each individual entering into a training program; and (6) Explore the creation of a series of apprenticeship programs for cannabis workers across the state. (c) Upon completion of a workforce training program, enrollees may opt to have their information provided to cannabis establishments as prospective employees.