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

  • Requires the Department of Labor and Industries to employ a coordinator, and in consultation with the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction and the Department of Health, to do outreach and assist in establishing registered apprenticeships in public education and health care.

  • Modifies the membership, reporting date, and the definition of "prior learning" for the Academic Credit for Prior Learning Work Group.

Hearing Date: 2/25/20

Staff: Megan Mulvihill (786-7304).

Background:

Registered Apprenticeships.

Apprenticeship programs combine paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction that typically leads to a credential, certification, or journey-level status in a particular trade or profession. Registered apprenticeships must have a minimum of:

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 Secretary of the WSATC and, among other things, conducts compliance reviews and registers apprenticeship agreements.

Academic Credit for Prior Learning Work Group.

In 2012 the Legislature directed the Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC) to convene an Academic Credit for Prior Learning (ACPL) Work Group to, among other things, increase the number of students who receive academic credit for prior learning that counts towards earning a credential, certificate, or degree. For the purpose of the ACPL Work Group, "prior learning" 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.

Summary of Bill:

The L&I must employ a coordinator to do 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 help with the outreach and in establishing registered apprenticeships for their respective fields.

Two representatives from licensed health care professions and one representative from the Office of the Lieutenant Governor are added to the ACPL Work Group. The date from when the WSAC must report on the progress of the ACPL Work Group is changed from December 31 to December 10. In addition, the definition of "prior learning" is expanded to include knowledge and skills gained through hours of work and instruction as a registered apprentice.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.