SENATE BILL REPORT

SHB 2685

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

As Reported by Senate Committee On:

Early Learning & K-12 Education, February 19, 2018

Title: An act relating to promoting preapprenticeship opportunities for high school students.

Brief Description: Promoting preapprenticeship opportunities for high school students.

Sponsors: House Committee on Education (originally sponsored by Representatives Ortiz-Self, Harris, Santos, Johnson, Caldier, Dolan, Ormsby, Valdez, Steele, Frame, Jinkins, Bergquist, Doglio, McBride, Sells, Tarleton and Pollet).

Brief History: Passed House: 2/07/18, 98-0.

Committee Activity: Early Learning & K-12 Education: 2/15/18, 2/19/18 [DP].

Brief Summary of Bill

Requires the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI), in consultation with the State Board for Community and Technical colleges and the Washington State Apprenticeship and Training Council, to examine opportunities for promoting pre-apprenticeship and youth apprenticeship programs for high school students.
Instructs OSPI to solicit input from stakeholders and submit a report with recommendations for: (1) improving vocational course alignment; (2) identifying and removing barriers to apprenticeship opportunities; and (3)increasing awareness of apprenticeship programs.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON EARLY LEARNING & K-12 EDUCATION

Majority Report: Do pass.

Signed by Senators Wellman, Chair; Rolfes, Vice Chair; Zeiger, Ranking Member; Billig, Hunt, Mullet, Padden and Pedersen.

Staff: Benjamin Omdal (786-7442)

Background: Apprenticeship Programs. Apprenticeships are job training programs that combine on-the-job training with related classroom instruction, under the supervision of a journey-level craft person or trade professional. Upon completion of the program, which lasts one to six years, apprentices attain journey-level status and increased compensation. Employers may develop their own apprenticeships or partner with a pre-approved program.

Pre-apprenticeship, or apprentice preparation, programs help individuals acquire or improve basic skills needed to become an apprentice. These programs are education-based, and focus attaining, at a minimum, the qualifications for entry into apprenticeship programs upon graduation.

Washington State Apprenticeship and Training Council (WSATC). The WSATC, part of the Department of Labor and Industries, is the regulatory body responsible for developing, administering, and enforcing program standards for apprenticeship and training programs in Washington. Registered apprenticeships are programs that have their agreements and certifications registered at the state or national level.

According to the WSATC, in 2017 there were 17,160 active apprentices, of which 5,236 were registered. Approximately 14 percent of apprentices are under the age of 21.

Summary of Bill: OSPI, in consultation with the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges and WSATC, must examine promotional opportunities for high school students for recognized pre-apprenticeship and registered youth apprenticeship programs, subject to appropriation.

By November 1, 2018, OSPI must solicit input from interested parties with relevant expertise and provide a report that includes recommendations for:

improving alignment between college-level vocational courses at institutions of higher education and high school curriculum and graduation requirements, including dual-credit courses;

identifying and removing barriers that prevent the wider exploration and use of apprenticeship opportunities; and
increasing awareness among school staff, students, parents, and the public about the opportunities offered by apprenticeship programs.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.

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

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: There are numerous pathways to four-year universities, but less programs in high school that are geared towards vocational pathways in apprenticeships. Increasing awareness of apprenticeship will help students. Registered

apprenticeships are a vital part of career-connected learning and should be emphasized as a core component of this program.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Representative Lillian Ortiz-Self, Prime Sponsor; Peter Guzman, State Board for Community & Technical Colleges; Tim Knue, Washington Association for Career and Technical Education.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.