H-2188.1

HOUSE BILL 1944

ByRepresentatives Orwall, Ryu, Ortiz-Self, Berry, Ramos, Slatter, Reed, Graham, Simmons, Ormsby, Callan, Street, Paul, Goodman, Lekanoff, Reeves, Riccelli, Pollet, Davis, and Bergquist

AN ACT Relating to establishing a running start for the trades grant program; adding a new section to chapter 28A.630 RCW; and providing an expiration date.

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

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1. A new section is added to chapter 28A.630 RCW to read as follows:

(1) Subject to the availability of amounts appropriated for this specific purpose, the office of the superintendent of public instruction must establish a running start for the trades grant program. The purpose of the grant program is to offer preapprenticeship opportunities for students to learn skills and gain experience using hand tools and power tools.

(2) In implementing the grant program, the office of the superintendent of public instruction must contract with an organization that will offer preapprenticeship opportunities to at least two cohorts of students each year during the summer months. The preapprenticeship opportunities must consist of 280 hours of training during the summer including, but not limited to:

(a) Participation in jobsite tours;

(b) Meeting with industry professionals who specialize in apprenticeship opportunities and professional development opportunities;

(c) Earning industry certifications;

(d) Learning trades math;

(e) Using power and hand tools; and

(f) Completing small build projects.

(3) The organization must provide direct or preferred entry into registered apprenticeship programs in the construction industries for students who complete the program requirements.

(4) The office of the superintendent of public instruction shall award grants to the organization it contracts with that demonstrates experience offering preapprenticeship opportunities to cohorts of students in south King county during the summer months. The organization must have experience partnering with local school districts, higher education institutions, labor and union partners, and local contractor partners while providing the preapprenticeship opportunities.

(5) By December 1, 2028, the office of the superintendent of public instruction must report findings and recommendations for the grant program, including an assessment of whether the grant program increased entries into registered apprenticeship programs in the construction industries and should be expanded. The report required by this subsection must be submitted to the education committees of the house of representatives and the senate in accordance with RCW 43.01.036.

(6) This section expires June 30, 2029.

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