RALEIGH, N.C. - Active duty members, veterans and military spouses can have selected military training and past experience converted into college credit and/or professional licenses in North Carolina under legislation signed into law today by Gov. Pat McCrory.
“Service members and veterans receive some of the best training in the world. This law gives them the opportunity to turn that training and experience into certifications and college credits that will help them get good-paying jobs in the civilian world,” said McCrory, who signed the bill into law at the Joint Force Headquarters in Raleigh. “This law will also provide North Carolina employers with well-disciplined and high-skilled workers who know a thing or two about how to get a job done and done well.”
SB 761, which received strong bipartisan support and not one “no” vote in either the House or the Senate, instructs the University of North Carolina and North Carolina Community College systems to develop programs that will convert military training into college credits and the state’s licensure boards into professional certifications and licenses. Already, a few programs have been developed to convert military training.
They include:
• Commercial Driver’s License for truck drivers
• Information Technology Specialists’ Certification
• ASE Certification for Vehicle Mechanics
• Conversion programs for military trained law enforcement officers and paramedics are expected to be announced soon.
This new law also instructs the UNC and NC Community College systems as well as the state’s licensure boards to work with the military to develop programs to fill any knowledge or skills gaps between military occupational training and civilian license requirements. The law applies to active military, military spouses and veterans.
“This bill is a win-win,” said Sen. Ron Rabin. “It enriches our workforce, which attracts businesses to come into the state, while also helping the economy. Conservatives in the General Assembly have been trying to make the economy better in the state, and this bill aims to do just that. It also helps military personnel by creating an environment of appreciation. This is a military-friendly and economy-oriented bill.”
Released by Governor's Press Office