(1) “Utility career cluster” means a list:

(A) compiled for purposes of college and career pathways relating to career and technical education under section 1.5(g) of this chapter; and

(B) setting forth industries or occupational fields that:

(i) are related to the provision of utility services; and

(ii) share similar knowledge and skill training requirements.

(2) “Utility services” includes:

(A) production, transmission, or distribution of electricity;

(B) acquisition, transportation, distribution, or storage of natural gas;

(C) provision of communications service (as defined in IC 8-1-32.5-3);

(D) treatment, storage, or distribution of water; and

(E) collection or treatment of wastewater.

     (b) Not later than December 31, 2022:

(1) the state board shall, for purposes of approving under section 1.5(g) of this chapter sequences of courses leading to student concentrators in industries or occupational fields related to the provision of utility services, approve a utility career cluster; and

(2) the governor’s workforce cabinet shall, in consultation with the state board, the department, and the department of workforce development, create one (1) or more course sequences:

(A) each of which consists of courses approved by the state board for purposes of college and career pathways relating to career and technical education under section 1.5(g) of this chapter; and

(B) each of which provides students with knowledge and skills necessary for employment in an industry or occupational field in the utility career cluster.

     (c) In creating one (1) or more course sequences under subsection (b)(2), the governor’s workforce cabinet, in consultation with the state board, the department, and the department of workforce development, shall:

(1) consider the impact of course sequences on the long term outcomes of students; and

(2) prioritize course sequences that lead to high wage, high demand jobs.

As added by P.L.18-2022, SEC.13.