(a) The council shall provide advice to the governor and the legislature on the development of a statewide system of industry-defined and industry-recognized skill standards and credentials for all major skilled occupations that:
(1) provide strong employment and earnings opportunities in this state; and
(2) require less than a baccalaureate degree.
(b) The council shall:
(1) validate and recognize nationally established skill standards to guide curriculum development, training, assessment, and certification of workforce skills;
(2) convene industry groups to develop skill standards and certification procedures for industries and occupations in which standards have not been established or adopted and recognize the skill standards and certification procedures;
(3) review the standards developed by other states and foreign countries and enter into agreements for mutual recognition of standards and credentials to enhance portability of skills; and
(4) promote the use of standards and credentials among employers.
(c) The council shall:
(1) report on the council's duties under this section to the governor; and
(2) provide annual reports on the council's duties under this section to the governor, the division, and the legislature.