Brief Description: Modifying provisions for the cosmetology apprenticeship program.

Sponsors: By House Committee on Commerce & Labor (originally sponsored by Representatives Kenney, McDonald, Conway, Wood, Hasegawa, Hudgins, Rodne, McCoy, Morrell and Ormsby).

House Committee on Commerce & Labor
Senate Committee on Labor, Commerce, Research & Development

Background:

Generally, individuals training for a license in cosmetology, barbering, esthetics, or manicuring must attend a cosmetology school licensed by the Department of Licensing (Department). The requirements for becoming licensed as a cosmetologist include graduating from a licensed cosmetology school and passing an examination.

In 2003, a pilot program was established for cosmetology apprenticeships, with up to 20 participating salons. Under the pilot program, individuals may become licensed in cosmetology, barbering, esthetics, or manicuring by successfully completing a state-approved apprenticeship program and passing the appropriate licensing examination. Apprentices are allowed to receive wages while in the pilot program.

The Department adopted various rules related to the apprenticeship pilot program including rules requiring participating salon/shops to keep certain apprentice records, establishing training requirements, requiring participating salon/shops to post a notice to consumers, and requiring apprentices to wear identification visible to the public.

An advisory committee, coordinated by the Washington State Apprenticeship and Training Council appointed by the Department of Labor and Industries, is responsible for coordinating the apprenticeship pilot program and presenting a report to the Legislature. The apprenticeship pilot program expires July 1, 2006.

Summary:

The cosmetology apprenticeship pilot program is extended until July 1, 2008. The program's advisory committee must submit an updated report, including an evaluation of the effectiveness of the program, to the appropriate committees of the Legislature by December 31, 2007. An intent statement outlines additional evaluation criteria, including the number of apprentices who complete the program and pass the licensing examination and a formal review of any impact that the expansion of the program may have on the enrollment of traditional cosmetology schools.

Votes on Final Passage:

House   98   0
Senate   48   0   (Senate amended)
House   95   0   (House concurred)

Effective: June 7, 2006