Brief Description: Expanding apprenticeship opportunities for high school graduates.

Sponsors: Representatives Quall, Conway, Wood, Hasegawa, Haigh, Ormsby, Murray, Chase, Kessler, Morrell, Green, Roberts, McCoy, Moeller, Simpson, Sells, Lantz, McDermott, Ericks, Hankins, Kagi and Hudgins; by request of Governor Gregoire.

Hearing Date: 1/26/06

Staff: Sarah Dylag (786-7109).

Background:

Apprenticeship Programs

Apprenticeship programs enable individuals to learn trades and occupations through a combination of on-the-job training and related supplemental instruction. Apprenticeship programs are sponsored by joint employer and labor groups, individual employers, and/or employer associations. The sponsor of an apprenticeship program plans, administers, and pays for the program.

Registered apprenticeship in most apprenticeable occupations is open to anyone age sixteen or older, except for apprentices in hazardous occupations. Individuals must satisfy the sponsor that they have the appropriate ability, aptitude, and education. Credentials or documentation may be required by the sponsor including documentation of education requirements.

The Washington State Apprenticeship and Training Council (Council) is appointed by the Director of the Department of Labor and Industries. The Council has the authority to, among other things, establish standards for apprenticeship programs and assist program sponsors with local administration of training programs.

Secondary School Pre-Apprenticeship Programs

Some high schools in Washington have established programs in partnership with local apprenticeships. The programs allow students to earn high school credits through courses at the high school and work-based internships at an employer's job site. Upon graduation, the students who complete these programs are typically qualified to enter directly into a full apprenticeship.

Centers of Excellence

The State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC) designates certain community and technical colleges as Centers of Excellences to focus on a "targeted industry." A targeted industry is defined as one that is strategic to the economic growth of a region or the state. The mission of Centers of Excellence includes providing innovative and responsive education, translating industry research into best practices, and building a competitive workforce.

Summary of Bill:

The existing community and technical college Centers of Excellence must facilitate secondary school programs that lead to apprenticeship placement by compiling and providing information on grants, scholarships, job openings, and growth industries.

The Washington State Apprenticeship and Training Council (Council) must lead and coordinate an educational outreach program about apprenticeship and career opportunities.

The Council also must manage direct-entry programs for graduating secondary students into building and construction-related apprenticeships by:

• assisting school districts in "using and leveraging existing resources";
• developing guidelines within input from the Office of Superintendent for Public Instruction, the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges, the Work Force Training and Education Coordinating Board, the Governor's Policy Office, and other interested stakeholders for direct-entry programs;
• awarding ten incentive grants to school districts statewide. The grants are to be used solely for personnel to negotiate and implement agreements with local apprenticeships to accept graduating high school students with appropriate training into apprenticeship programs.

Rulemaking Authority: The bill does not contain provisions addressing the rule-making powers of an agency.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.