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Bills would introduce students to options besides college

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A package of bills would provide Michigan students with more work opportunities out of high school.

The bills would encourage schools to teach students about occupations that don’t require a college degree… occupations like plumbers and electricians.

The goal is to expose children to jobs they may not have even been aware of, and remind them that college isn’t the only path after high school.

Republican State Representative Daire Rendon is behind the legislation.

“The more exposure we can give to them even at such a young age, the more choices they have to make, and it’s never too early to start looking at the things that really interest you and maybe develop some talents that you may not even be aware that you had.”

Rendon said preparing students for college is admirable and shouldn’t stop, but that there also needs to be a focus on skilled trades.

“We’re going to offer these opportunities from kindergarten through high school, what those opportunities are remains up to the school districts but we are going to have tools available so that they can introduce some of those things.”

Rendon said the bills would create opportunities for students of all ages. She said the bills are still in committee, and lawmakers are soliciting testimony on the issue.