Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The timelines, procedures, and content for new apprenticeship program applications are detailed in chapter 296-05 WAC. The Washington state legislature passed E2SSB 5600 during the 2022 legislative session, which adds a sustainability assessment requirement to all new apprenticeship program applications. The Washington state apprenticeship and training council (WSATC) now must also consider living wage, presence of a career ladder, and other nonwage benefits for graduating apprentices when considering a new program for approval. To ensure transparency in the approval process, these items need to be defined or explained in the rule.

E2SSB 5600 also requires WSATC to establish industry sector-based platforms in eight areas, which is a new aspect in the apprenticeship system. The bill highlights the industry sectors for which the platforms may be established, that each must consist of an equal number of employer and employee representatives, and outlines the tasks that the platforms must complete. Rule making is required to define how platform members will be selected, the detailed makeup of the platforms (including minimum/maximum number of members, qualifications of platform members, electing a chair and secretary), and timelines for the tasks required by the bill.

Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: The United States Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, Office of Apprenticeship.

Process for Developing New Rule: The department of labor and industries (L&I) will develop the rule language in conjunction with WSATC's WAC/RCW policy subcommittee and will stakeholder the rule making with representatives from labor and business.

Interested parties may participate in the decision to adopt the rules and formulation of the rules before publication by contacting the individual below. The public may also participate after rules are proposed by providing written comments and/or testimony during the public hearing and comment period.

For more information on this rule making, visit L&I's rule-making activity website at https://www.Lni.wa.gov/rulemakingactivity/ or contact the individual below.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Ellen Saline, L&I, Fraud Prevention and Labor Standards Division, P.O. Box 44530, Olympia, WA 98504-4530, phone 360-902-4475, email Apprenticeshiprules@Lni.wa.gov, website https://lni.wa.gov/licensing-permits/apprenticeship/laws-rules-policies.