Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
College & Workforce Development Committee |
2SSB 5236
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. |
Brief Description: Encouraging apprenticeships.
Sponsors: Senate Committee on Ways & Means (originally sponsored by Senators Keiser, Conway, Wellman, Braun, Saldaña, Hasegawa, Wilson, C., Kuderer, Takko, Das and Frockt).
Brief Summary of Second Substitute Bill |
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Hearing Date: 3/19/19
Staff: Trudes Tango (786-7384).
Background:
Registered Apprenticeships.
Apprenticeship programs combine on-the-job training and classroom instruction that typically leads to a credential, certification, or journey-level status in a particular trade or profession. The Washington State Apprenticeship and Training Council (WSATC), which is part of the Department of Labor and Industries (L&I), establishes standards for and approves apprenticeship programs.
The Director of the L&I appoints a supervisor of apprenticeship who acts as the Secretary of the WSATC and, among other things, conducts compliance reviews and registers apprenticeship agreements.
Academic Credit for Prior Learning.
Academic credit for prior learning is awarded when a student’s prior learning is assessed and determined to be the equivalent of specific college course outcomes, and when awarding credit is consistent with the policies of the institution.
In 2012, the Legislature directed the Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC) to convene an academic credit for prior learning work group to, among other things, increase the number of students who receive academic credit for prior learning that count towards earning a degree, certificate, or credential.
Academic credit for prior learning, for the purposes of the work group, means the knowledge and skills gained through: (1) work and life experience; (2) military training and experience; and (3) formal and informal education and training from in-state and out-of-state institutions including foreign institutions.
Members of the work group include representatives of: the WSAC; the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges; the Council of Presidents; faculty from institutions of higher education; business and labor; and private career schools. The work group must provide progress reports by December 31 each year.
Summary of Bill:
Subject to amounts appropriated, the L&I must, through the supervisor of apprenticeship, employ a coordinator to conduct outreach and assist in establishing registered apprenticeship programs where they do not exist in public education and the health care industry. The Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction and the Department of Health must consult with the coordinator to do outreach and assist in establishing apprenticeship and training programs where they do not exist in public education and in the health care industry, respectively.
For purposes of Academic Credit for Prior Learning, the definition of "prior learning" is expanded to include the knowledge and skills gained through hours of work and instruction as a registered apprentice.
Three new members are added to the work group: two representatives from licensed health care professions and one representative from the Office of the Lieutenant Governor.
The date the WSAC must issue annual progress reports is changed from December 31 to December 10.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Preliminary fiscal note available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.