SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5458

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 Summary of First Substitute Bill

Requires Marysville School District to collaborate with Everett Community College, Arlington School District, and other stakeholders to develop a regional apprenticeship pathways program establishing an apprenticeship preparation program to prepare individuals for apprenticeships in the construction and building trades.

Majority Report: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5458 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

Signed by Senators Keiser, Chair; Conway, Vice Chair; King, Ranking Member; Braun, Saldaña, Walsh and Wellman.

Background: Apprenticeship programs enable individuals to learn trades and occupations through on-the-job training and related supplemental instruction. The Washington State Apprenticeship Training Council (WSATC), which is part of the Department of Labor and Industries, establishes standards for apprenticeship programs and approves training programs. Standards set by WSATC address the allowable ratios of apprentice to journey-level workers and the type of work apprentices may do. An employer may partner with an approved apprenticeship program or develop its own, subject to approval by WSATC.

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.

Summary of Bill (First Substitute): Marysville School District must collaborate with Everett Community College, Arlington School District, other local school districts, local labor unions, local registered apprenticeship programs, and local industry groups to develop the regional apprenticeship pathways program (Pathways Program).

The Pathways Program must establish an education-based apprenticeship preparation program recognized by WSATC that prepares individuals for apprenticeships within the construction and building trades. The apprenticeship preparation program must provide dual credit opportunities for participants. Additionally, the program must provide participants with preferred or direct entry into an apprenticeship program in the construction and building trades.

EFFECT OF CHANGES MADE BY LABOR & COMMERCE COMMITTEE (First Substitute): The term building trades is changed to construction and building trades. Local registered apprenticeships are added to the groups Marysville School District must collaborate with.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony on Original Bill: The committee recommended a different version of the bill than what was heard. PRO: With the construction boom, workers are in high demand and there is a shortage, which the bill helps alleviate. The bill creates more opportunities for young people, especially young people that do not go to college. The bill allows kids to earn credits towards their high school diploma while also starting a career path. The program was established through collaboration of many stakeholders. The goal is to use Snohomish County as model for other regions.

OTHER: The bill should include non-union apprenticeship programs.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Steve Hobbs, Prime Sponsor; Glen Bachman, Port of Everett; Brian Long, Arlington Public School District #16; Davor Gjurasic, Community Transit; Erik Ashlie-Vinke, Economic Alliance Snohomish County; Nate Nehring, Snohomish County Council; Donneta Oremus, Marysville School District; Eleni Papadakis, Washington Workforce Board; Michele Willms, Associated General Contractors of Washington. OTHER: James King, Construction Industry Training Council.