The WSATC establishes economic and industry sector-based platforms in accordance with chapter 49.04 RCW.

(1) The WSATC or designee shall establish economic and industry sector-based platforms and assign prospective and existing programs to the platforms. The WSATC or designee will consider the number of platforms and program assignments based on industry or sector needs and department resources. The department shall assign an industry liaison to support each platform.

(2) Economic and industry sector-based platforms will be comprised in the following manner:

(a) The WSATC chair or designee will appoint platform representatives with input from the industry.

(b) Consist of at least four and not more than 12 voluntary representatives with an equal number of employer and employee representatives; the WSATC or designee may adjust the number of representatives based on availability.

(c) Economic and industry sector-based platforms must elect a chair and secretary and meet as necessary to comply with reporting and recommendation requirements under RCW 49.04.240.

(d) Rural employer and/or employee representative participation on the economic and industry sector-based platforms is encouraged.

(3) Economic and industry sector-based platform members must be qualified by education and/or experience, or be known to represent the interests of employers/employees within the applicable industry sector.

(4) Economic and industry sector-based platforms must:

(a) Promote collaboration within their sector to expand apprenticeship opportunities;

(b) Collaborate with relevant community and technical college's centers of excellence; the centers shall be invited to serve in an advisory capacity to the platforms;

(c) Review related/supplemental instruction and on-the-job training standards for apprenticeship programs active within their industry sector as needed; and

(d) Review new apprenticeship program applications within their industry sector and forward approval, disapproval, or change recommendations to the department.

(5) Economic and industry sector-based platforms must report on the following items at least annually to the WSATC:

(a) Outreach and collaboration activities to expand apprenticeship opportunities within the economic or sector-based platform;

(b) Participation in approved apprenticeship programs;

(c) Progress in developing new apprenticeship programs; and

(d) Any review of required related/supplemental instruction and on-the-job training standards for apprenticeship programs.

(6) Industry platforms will establish their own meeting frequency based on workload and need. Records of meetings must be kept and forwarded to the WSATC.

(7) Industry platforms will provide consultations and recommendations as follows:

(a) Economic and industry sector-based platforms may suggest adjustments to a sponsor on proposed standards and new occupational objectives prior to a proposal being submitted. Sponsors are encouraged to consult with their economic and industry sector-based platforms prior to submitting proposals.

(b) Industry platforms shall provide recommendations on all new proposed standards and occupational objectives within their sector being considered by the WSATC. Recommendations shall be based on the final proposals forwarded by the department no later than 30 days prior to the next WSATC meeting. Industry platform recommendations must be provided 15 days prior to the meeting.