Indiana work based learning programs assign coverage and compensation rules

Students who perform services for an employer in a covered work based learning program are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits for covered injuries and work related illnesses. Covered programs are apprenticeships, modern youth apprenticeships, qualifying pre-apprenticeships, and work based learning courses. Mainly remote programs and activities without ongoing work or recurring employer placement are excluded. Unpaid students cannot receive temporary total or temporary partial disability payments. If an unpaid student dies from an injury, $175,000 goes to dependents or, if there are none, the student’s parents. The compensation remedy generally excludes other claims for the same injury or death, except for remedies under IC 5-2-6.1. These provisions take effect July 1, 2026.

A school, intermediary, or industry talent association that connects a student with an employer must enter a written agreement under which the employer takes responsibility for workers’ compensation coverage for students who perform services. This applies to connections for work experience in a covered work based learning program. A school, intermediary, or industry talent association may meet the requirement through an agreement with a third party employer of record. The agreement requirement takes effect July 1, 2026.

Insurers must base coverage decisions and rating factors on objective risk criteria applied uniformly and without regard to the student’s age. Participants include employers with student workers, enrolled students, intermediaries, school corporations, and charter schools. This applies to employer’s liability or workers’ compensation insurance issued to cover a participant. This applies to policies entered into, changed, or renewed after June 30, 2026.