(1) The department of labor and industries must conduct an apprentice retention study of state registered apprentices. The study must collect data from apprentices that are six months into their apprenticeships on the barriers and challenges new apprentices encounter that may prevent them from continuing their apprenticeships.
(2) The department of labor and industries must aggregate the data collected in subsection (1) of this section by trade and post the data on a dashboard on its public website annually.
(3) The department of labor and industries must use the data collected under this section to work with apprenticeship coordinators to implement an early alert response system to connect apprentices with needed support and wraparound services.
(4) By December 1, 2026, and in compliance with RCW
43.01.036, the department of labor and industries must submit a report to the legislature on its key findings on the barriers and challenges in retaining apprentices and its recommendations.
(5) This section expires December 31, 2027.