Title: An act relating to the cosmetology apprenticeship program.

Brief Description: Modifying provisions for the cosmetology apprenticeship program.

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

Brief History: Passed House: 2/10/06, 98-0.

Committee Activity: Labor, Commerce, Research & Development: 2/21/06, 2/23/06 [DPA].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON LABOR, COMMERCE, RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT

Majority Report: Do pass as amended.Signed by Senators Kohl-Welles, Chair; Franklin, Vice Chair; Parlette, Ranking Minority Member; Brown, Honeyford, Keiser and Prentice.

Staff: Alison Mendiola (786-7483)

Background: Generally, individuals training for a license in cosmetology, barbering, esthetics, or manicuring must attend a cosmetology school licensed by the Department of Licensing (DOL). 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 exam. Apprentices are allowed to receive wages while in the pilot program.

An advisory committee, coordinated by the Washington State Apprenticeship and Training Council (WSATC) appointed by the Department of Labor and Industries, is responsible for coordinating the apprenticeship pilot program. The apprenticeship pilot program expires July 1, 2006.

Summary of Amended Bill: The cosmetology apprenticeship program is extended until July 1, 2008. The advisory committee is to provide the Legislature with an updated final report by December 31, 2008. The updated report is to include an evaluation of the effectiveness of the pilot program, including how many apprentices complete the program, the number of apprentices who take and pass the licensing exam, and a formal review of any impact the expansion of the apprenticeship program may have on the enrollment of traditional cosmetology schools.

Amended Bill Compared to Original Bill: The amended bill extends the pilot apprenticeship program to July 1, 2008, whereas under the substitute bill, a permanent cosmetology apprenticeship program is created.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Testimony For: Traditional cosmetology school isn't an option for everyone, but there are still many talented people who aspire to become cosmetologists. The direct-entry apprenticeship pilot program provides opportunities for those who can't afford to go to school and provides hands-on experience that is beneficial to both the student and the clients.

Testimony Against: None.

Who Testified: PRO: Representative Phyllis Kenney, Prime Sponsor; Miriam Lopez, Studio 904; Patrick Woods, Department of Labor and Industries; Robin Jobe, Studio 904; Trudie Touchette, Department of Licensing; Kay Hirai, Studio 904; and Dennis Jensen, ATC, Salon Fifth Avenue.