BILL REQ. #:  Z-0987.1 

Read first time 01/12/2006.   Referred to Committee on Early Learning, K-12 & Higher Education.

     AN ACT Relating to expanding opportunities for graduating secondary school students to enter apprenticeships; and adding new sections to chapter 49.04 RCW.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   A new section is added to chapter 49.04 RCW to read as follows:
     The legislature finds that it is in the public interest of the state to encourage and facilitate the formation of cooperative relationships between business and industry and educational institutions that provide for the development and expansion of programs of skills training and education consistent with employment needs and to make interested individuals aware of the employment opportunities presented. Therefore, the following programs shall be implemented to expand opportunities for secondary school students to prepare for technical careers and related apprenticeships:
     (1) Centers of excellence, which shall act as repositories and distributors of relevant information;
     (2) A coordinated educational outreach program about apprenticeships; and
     (3) Direct-entry programs for graduating secondary students into construction-related apprenticeships, managed by the Washington state apprenticeship and training council.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2   A new section is added to chapter 49.04 RCW to read as follows:
     Centers of excellence, as designated by the state board for community and technical colleges, shall facilitate secondary school programs that lead to apprenticeship placement by compiling and providing information on available grants, scholarship opportunities, job openings, and industries of growth.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 3   A new section is added to chapter 49.04 RCW to read as follows:
     The Washington state apprenticeship and training council shall lead and coordinate an educational outreach program for middle and secondary school students and educators about apprenticeship and career opportunities.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 4   A new section is added to chapter 49.04 RCW to read as follows:
     The Washington state apprenticeship and training council shall manage direct-entry programs for graduating secondary students into building and construction-related apprenticeships by:
     (1) Assisting individual school districts in using and leveraging existing resources;
     (2) Developing guidelines with input from the office of the superintendent of 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;
     (3) Awarding ten incentive grants to school districts statewide solely for personnel to negotiate and implement agreements with local apprenticeships based upon state apprenticeship use requirements, as described in RCW 39.04.320, to accept graduating secondary school students with appropriate training into apprenticeship programs.