Establishes Skilled Trades Career Exploration Pilot Program; appropriates $5 million.

This bill establishes a three-year Skilled Trades Career Exploration Pilot Program for high school students in New Jersey, funded by a $5 million appropriation from the General Fund. It directs the Commissioner of Education to award grants to school districts (five per geographic region, representing urban, suburban, and rural areas) to develop or expand career and technical education programs. Grants support three key uses: creating new vocational programs, upgrading equipment/facilities, and providing instructor training. Participating districts must submit annual reports on program impact, with the Commissioner required to report annually to the Governor and Legislature. The program directly affects high school students seeking skilled trades pathways and the school districts receiving grant funding.