APPRENTICESHIP

Elizabeth Smith, Program Manager
Department of Labor and Industries
P.O. Box 44530
Olympia, WA 98504-4530
Telephone: 360.902.5320
E-mail: SMEL235@lni.wa.gov

State Website: www.apprenticeship.lni.wa.gov
Local Link: http://www.lni.wa.gov/TradesLicensing/Apprenticeship/Programs/default.asp

Participation: 15,618 apprentices participated during July 1, 2006-June 30, 2007.

Who is Served: Participants must be at least 16 years old and meet other minimum qualifications established by industry standards that are included in written apprenticeship agreements.

Program Description: The Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) is the administrative arm of the Washington State Apprenticeship and Training Council. The Council’s primary goal is to promote development and implementation of structured on-the-job training programs supplemented with related theoretical instruction. These programs provide individuals with the ability to progress from entry-level to fully qualified journey-level workers. Apprenticeship agreement standards include a progressive increase in scale of wages. Completion standards include minimum total work hours (2,000 - 10,000 hours, depending on occupation) and annual minimums for related and supplemental instruction (144 hours). L&I also develops, approves, and monitors on-the-job training programs for occupations requiring less than 2,000 hours of work experience.

Other Program Characteristics: Apprenticeship programs are developed by industry and labor and are constantly reviewed by these entities to ensure apprenticeship training standards respond to workforce needs. L&I systematically reviews approved apprenticeship programs (including adequate participation of females and minorities). Staff members assist in the development of more than 15 new apprenticeship programs each year.

Program History: The federal Fitzgerald Act of 1937 established an apprenticeship program administered by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Apprenticeship. The U.S. DOL office sets labor standards for apprentices, registers apprenticeship programs, and certifies states to register apprenticeship and training programs. Washington adopted an apprenticeship law in 1941. The Washington State Apprenticeship Council sets the program’s policy.

Planning Cycle: Every two years.

State Core Measures: See Workforce Training Results

Other Outcome Measures: Outcomes are measured by the successful completion of an apprenticeship trade by an apprentice.

Funding and Regional Division: Washington State Apprenticeship Coordinators are responsible for the following areas:

• Region 1—Snohomish, Skagit, Whatcom, Island, and San Juan Counties.
• Region 2—King County.
• Region 3—Pierce, Kitsap, Clallam, and Jefferson Counties.
• Region 4—Longview Office: Wahkiakum, Cowlitz, Clark, Klickitat, and Skamania Counties.
• Region 4—Tumwater Office: Grays Harbor, Mason, Thurston, Lewis, and Pacific Counties.
• Region 5—Okanogan, Chelan, Douglas, Kittitas, Grant, Yakima, Benton, Franklin, Walla Walla, and Columbia Counties.
• Region 6—Ferry, Stevens, Pend Oreille, Lincoln, Spokane, Adams, Whitman, Garfield, and Asotin Counties.

State Funding: $1,375,000 (July 1, 2007-June 30, 2008) Medical Aid and Accident Prevention Funds.

Federal Funding: None.

Statutory Authority: Federal Authority: 29 CFR, Parts 29 and 30; Fitzgerald Act of 1937. State Authority: Chapter 49.04 RCW: WAC 296-05. Administered by the Department of Labor and Industries.