Section 1

Amends GS 115D-10.21(a) to expand the community college training program to up to 25 community colleges (was, 15). Requires the Community Colleges System Office (CCSO) to use funds appropriated for the NC Community Colleges System IDD Workforce Training Expansion as follows: (1) $640,000 in recurring funds must be used to create two positions that will create work-based learning opportunities and be dedicated to business and industry partner engagement statewide and for the expansion of Career and College Promise high school pathways and pre-apprenticeships and work-based learning for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities; (2) $810,000 in recurring funds may be used for marketing evaluation, online resources, professional development, and infrastructure support; and (3) remaining funds must be used to expand the program developed pursuant to GS 115D-10.21, as amended by this section, at the rate of $194,000 per participating community college.

Appropriates $3.85 million in recurring funds for 2026-27 from the General Fund to CCSO to implement provisions of Section 1.

Section 2

Requires ApprenticeshipNC to report to the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on a plan to facilitate one or more expedited pathways for apprenticeship candidates to enter the teaching profession by March 15, 2027. Requires ApprenticeshipNC to develop the plan in collaboration with the Board of Governors of The University of North Carolina, the State Board of Community Colleges, the Department of Public Instruction, and Teach NC. Permits collaboration with other representatives of approved educator preparation programs, local school administrative units, and existing apprenticeship programs. Provides list of required plan components.

Section 3

Appropriates $4,913,100 for 2026-27 from the General Fund to CCSO to be used to expand access to digital credentials in all community colleges in NC, to select a single Credential Management System (CrMS) vendor that meets all required criteria, and to pay for deployment costs and other costs associated with implementing the CrMS. Directs funds appropriated from this section not to revert, but to remain available until the end of 2027-28. Provides criteria a vendor must meet to be contracted to provide a CrMS.

Except as otherwise provided, act effective July 1, 2026.