Work-Based Learning Programs Gain Momentum as States Address Workforce Shortages

As workforce shortages and labor market shifts continue, states are increasingly investing in youth career readiness to build stronger talent pipelines. Recent legislation suggests that states are building earlier and more direct pathways from the classroom into high-demand industries through expanded work-based learning, credentialing opportunities, and employer-aligned training programs.

As of June 2026, MultiState is tracking 329 bills across 39 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico related to youth workforce development and career readiness. While approaches by state vary, this year’s legislation highlights four key trends: expanding work-based learning opportunities, strengthening career pathways in K-12 education, aligning postsecondary programs with workforce demands, and developing industry-specific talent pipelines.

How Are States Expanding Work-Based Learning for Youth?

Amid persistent workforce shortages, states are seeking to provide students with earlier exposure to careers through apprenticeships, internships, summer employment programs, and other forms of work-based learning.

Indiana enacted legislation establishing protections and requirements for work-based learning programs (IN HB 1098), reflecting growing efforts to formalize experience-based learning opportunities. Virginia focused on authorizing youth apprenticeships within cosmetology and barbering programs (VA HB 275), allowing students to build industry experience while addressing workforce needs in personal care occupations. In response to a critical firefighter shortage, Iowa (IA SF 2086) created a junior firefighter program to introduce students to emergency service careers and support recruitment into public safety professions.

Additionally, with teen hiring projected to hit historic lows nationally, West Virginia expanded summer employment opportunities for youth (WV HB 5480).

While these programs vary in structure and focus, they reflect a broader shift toward viewing work-based learning as a workforce development strategy and exposing students to career opportunities before they graduate high school.

Defining Key Terms

How Are High Schools Creating Direct Career Pathways?

Policymakers are increasingly using secondary education to prepare students for careers earlier. Many states are incorporating career preparation directly into secondary education through career and technical education programs, graduation requirements, and early pathways into in-demand occupations.

Amid persistent healthcare workforce shortages, Virginia established a certified nursing assistant pathway for high school students through VA HB 413, creating earlier entry points into healthcare careers. Mississippi added career and technical education and computer science requirements to graduation standards through MS SB 2294 to ensure all students are prepared for the modern, tech-driven economy.

Furthermore, Maryland expanded GED access and alternative pathways to increase career options for students at risk of not completing high school (MD SB 70 and MD HB 297). As the US faces a nationwide teacher shortage, Tennessee established an early childhood education pathway (TN SB 2525), and Maryland created a teacher workforce pathway through MD SB 529.

These initiatives suggest that states are increasingly viewing high school as a launching point for both college and careers, while also expanding opportunities for students to enter high-demand fields sooner.

How Are Postsecondary Programs Aligning with Workforce Demands?

As questions surrounding college affordability and entry-level workforce shortages continue, states are building stronger connections between postsecondary education and labor market demands. Policymakers are progressively looking to ensure students graduate with the skills and credentials needed to succeed in their careers.

Indiana redefined Ivy Tech Community College’s mission to emphasize workforce development and better align postsecondary curriculum with the hiring needs of local and regional employers (IN SB 254). To align funds and course offerings to in-demand occupations, Iowa adopted definitions and frameworks for identifying high-demand occupations (IA HF 2610). Finally, Maryland established workforce-focused Pell Grant programs (MD SB 509) and enacted legislation incorporating career readiness indicators into college admissions processes (MD SB 324 and MD HB 700) to ensure graduates are equipped for both postsecondary education and in-demand industry careers.

These policies suggest that states view higher education and workforce development as interconnected policy areas. Policymakers are placing greater emphasis on ensuring postsecondary education prepares students for evolving workforce needs.

How Are States Developing Industry-Specific Talent Pipelines?

Workforce shortages vary across industries, leading policymakers to pursue targeted solutions tailored to the needs of different sectors. In addition to broader workforce development efforts, states are creating targeted pathways for industries experiencing workforce shortages or emerging growth opportunities.

Florida expanded cybersecurity internship opportunities through FL HB 1081, as demand for cybersecurity professionals in the state continues to increase. Hawaii established agricultural technology pathways (HI SB 2320), reflecting interest in modernizing the state’s agricultural sector, while Maryland created an aerosystems technology workforce program (MD SB 198) to support aviation and aerospace industries. Hawaii also advanced internship and employment pipeline initiatives via HI HB 2468, making it easier for employers and apprenticeship sponsors while expanding internship opportunities for youth.

These initiatives illustrate how states are moving beyond broad workforce development strategies. By focusing on specific sectors, legislators are attempting to address labor shortages while preparing students for careers in growing industries.

What’s Next for Youth Career Readiness Policy?

As states continue responding to workforce shortages and changing economic demands, youth career readiness policies are likely to remain a legislative priority. Future efforts may further expand apprenticeships, strengthen employer partnerships, and increase opportunities for students to earn industry-recognized credentials and postsecondary credits while still in high school.

More broadly, the 2026 legislation suggests that states are increasingly viewing education and workforce development as interconnected policy priorities. Rather than treating career readiness as an alternative to higher education, policymakers are emphasizing multiple pathways into high-demand careers. As workforce demands continue to evolve, states are likely to continue investing in policies that strengthen employer partnerships, expand work-based learning opportunities, and support long-term talent pipelines.

Tracking State Employment and Labor Legislation

MultiState’s team is actively identifying and tracking employment and labor issues so that businesses and organizations have the information they need to navigate and effectively engage. If your organization would like to further track these or other related issues, please contact us.

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