Title of Rule: Chapter 296-05 WAC, Apprenticeship rules.

     Purpose: The purpose of this rule making is to address an inconsistency that now exists in the rules as a result of the recent rule changes that were adopted on October 31, 2001. The inconsistency is between WAC 296-05-007 and 296-05-300. Clarification changes are necessary to ensure that the Washington State Apprenticeship and Training Council has the discretion to either adjudicate matters (i.e. objections to apprenticeship standards or proposed amendments to apprenticeship standards) themselves or refer them to the Office of Administrative Hearings. In addition, the responsibility for an apprenticeship sponsor to ensure that safety and health training is provided to apprentices in WAC 296-05-316(8) was eliminated as this is the employer's responsibility.

     Other Identifying Information: Apprenticeship.

     Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 49.04.010 and chapter 204, Laws of 2001 (SHB 1234).

     Statute Being Implemented: Chapter 49.04 RCW.

     Summary: See Purpose above.

     Reasons Supporting Proposal: See Purpose above.

     Name of Agency Personnel Responsible for Drafting: Nancy Mason, Tumwater, (360) 902-5321; Implementation and Enforcement: Patrick Woods, Tumwater, (360) 902-6348.

     Name of Proponent: Washington State Apprenticeship and Training Council, governmental.

     Rule is not necessitated by federal law, federal or state court decision.

     Explanation of Rule, its Purpose, and Anticipated Effects: The purpose of this rule making is to address an inconsistency that now exists in the rules as a result of the recent rule changes that were adopted on October 31, 2001. The inconsistency is between WAC 296-05-007 and 296-05-300. Clarification changes are necessary to ensure that the Washington State Apprenticeship and Training Council has the discretion to either adjudicate matters (i.e. objections to apprenticeship standards or proposed amendments to apprenticeship standards) themselves or refer them to the Office of Administrative Hearings. In addition, the responsibility for an apprenticeship sponsor to ensure that safety and health training is provided to apprentices in WAC 296-05-316(8) was eliminated as this is the employer's responsibility and a minor technical amendment was done to WAC 296-05-402 to correct an error in the flowchart.

     Proposal Changes the Following Existing Rules: This rule making will make clarification changes to WAC 296-05-007 and 296-05-300 to ensure that the Washington State Apprenticeship and Training Council has the discretion to either adjudicate matters (i.e. objections to apprenticeship standards or proposed amendments to apprenticeship standards) themselves or refer them to the Office of Administrative Hearings. In addition, the responsibility for an apprenticeship sponsor to ensure that safety and health training is provided to apprentices in WAC 296-05-316(8) was eliminated as this is the employer's responsibility and a minor technical amendment was done to WAC 296-05-402 to correct an error in the flowchart.

January 18, 2002

LaFrank Newell, Chair

Apprenticeship and Training Council

OTS-5431.1

AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 01-22-055, filed 10/31/01, effective 1/17/02)

WAC 296-05-007   Rules of procedure.   All hearings and adjudication, under chapter 49.04 RCW and these rules, shall be conducted according to chapter 34.05 RCW, the Administrative Procedure Act and chapter 10-08 WAC, Model Rules of Procedure. The chair (or vice-chair in the chair's absence) is the presiding officer for adjudicative proceedings, held before the WSATC. The WSATC may either adjudicate matter(s) themselves or refer ((a)) matter(s) to the office of administrative hearings for initial adjudication. ((When an affected person(s) files an objection in a timely manner to proposed standards or a proposed amendment of existing standards, the initial adjudication of the objection shall be referred to the office of administrative hearings.))

     If the initial adjudication is before the WSATC, the WSATC will enter a final order. If the initial adjudication has been held at the office of administrative hearings, the administrative hearings judge shall issue an initial order. The WSATC, upon review of the initial order shall enter the final order. An initial order shall become final without further WSATC action five working days after the next regular quarterly meeting unless:

     (1) The WSATC upon its own motion determines that the initial order should be reviewed; or

     (2) A party to the proceedings files a petition for review of the initial order.

     The WSATC may appoint a person to review the initial order and prepare and enter the final WSATC order.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.04.010, 2001 c 204, and chapter 49.04 RCW. 01-22-055, § 296-05-007, filed 10/31/01, effective 1/17/02.]

     (1) Organize an apprenticeship and training committee according to WAC 296-05-303 and file affidavits with the WSATC requesting that the committee be recognized.

     (2) Once the committee is recognized, it must propose standards conforming to these rules and to chapter 49.04 RCW. In addition, the standards must include the composition of the committee and general rules that it will follow in administering the program. (The apprenticeship supervisor and department apprenticeship coordinators are available to give assistance drafting standards.)

     (3) These standards must be presented to the supervisor at least forty-five days before the regular quarterly meeting at which the WSATC is requested to consider such proposed standards.

     (4) At the regular quarterly meeting, the proposed standards will be considered by the WSATC. The WSATC will:

     (a) Approve;

     (b) Approve provided the sponsor accepts the changes recommended by the WSATC; or

     (c) Disapprove.

     At the regular quarterly meeting, the WSATC will allow changes to correct clerical errors. The addition of standard language will be allowed if authorized representatives of the sponsor are present and authorized to accept changes. At the regular quarterly meeting, the WSATC will not accept changes to the format, language, or provisions of the submitted program standards which are not reasonably consistent with previously approved program standards.

     If the WSATC disapproves the standards, it shall direct the department to inform the sponsor in writing the reason for disapproval.

     (5) Once the WSATC approves the program standards the committee is authorized to function and perform its duties as described in WAC 296-05-316.

     (6) If a competitor objects to the proposed standards or proposed amendment(s) to existing standards, the WSATC may either adjudicate the objection(s) with the proposed standards or refer the objection(s) with the proposed standards or proposed amendment(s) to existing standards to an administrative hearing as described in WAC 296-05-007. For purposes of this subsection "competitor" means a competing apprenticeship program in a similar or subset of the trade, craft, or occupation within the geographic area served.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.04.010, 2001 c 204, and chapter 49.04 RCW. 01-22-055, § 296-05-300, filed 10/31/01, effective 1/17/02.]

     The sponsor's proposed program standards must include a list of duties and responsibilities of the program sponsor reasonably consistent with other approved program standards.

     All apprenticeship agreements must comply with the approved program standards, chapter 49.04 RCW, and these rules. The standards of apprenticeship agreements must include the following:

     (1) A statement of the trade or craft to be taught and the required hours for completion of apprenticeship which must not be less than two thousand hours of reasonably continuous employment.

     (2) A statement identifying the program sponsor, establishing the apprenticeship committee and enumerating the sponsor's and committee's duties and responsibilities. This statement must include provisions to:

     (a) Elect a chair and a secretary from employer and employee representatives of the committee.

EXCEPTION:

This provision is not necessary for a plant program.

     (b) Convene at least three annual regular meetings of the program sponsor and apprenticeship committee. The meetings shall be at least three times per year, be attended by a quorum of committee members (as defined in the approved program standards), be documented with minutes which must be periodically submitted to the department and made available to the WSATC upon request. Conference call meetings may be conducted in lieu of regular meetings but must not exceed the number of attended meetings and no disciplinary action shall be taken at conference call meetings.

     (c) Determine need for apprentices in the area covered by the apprenticeship standards established under these rules. (Statistical analysis of workload projections, demographics, and information relating to expected workload growth are examples of ways the sponsor may demonstrate that the need for apprentices exists.)

     (d) Establish minimum standards of education and skilled occupational experience required of apprentices.

     (e) Rotate apprentices in the various processes of the skilled occupation to assure a well-rounded, competent worker.

     (f) Determine the adequacy of an employer to furnish proper on-the-job training in accordance with the provisions of the approved standards.

EXCEPTION:

This does not apply to plant programs.

     (g) Recommend competent instructors and related/supplemental instruction in accordance with local vocational requirements.

     (h) Recommend a course outline for related/supplemental instruction, as well as coordinate related/supplemental instruction with on-the-job work experience.

     (i) Hear and adjust all complaints of violations of apprenticeship agreements.

     (j) Adopt, as necessary, program rules to administer the apprenticeship program in compliance with its standards, chapter 49.04 RCW, and these rules.

     (k) Periodically review and evaluate apprentices before advancement to the apprentice's next wage progression period.

     (l) Maintain apprenticeship records and records of the administrative program as may be required by the WSATC, chapter 49.04 RCW, and these rules. (See WAC 296-05-318.)

     (3) The following Equal Employment Opportunity Pledge:

     "The recruitment, selection, employment and training of apprentices during their apprenticeship shall be without discrimination because of race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability or as otherwise specified by law. The sponsor shall take positive action to provide equal opportunity in apprenticeship and will operate the apprenticeship program as required by the rules of the Washington State Apprenticeship and Training Council and Title 29, Part 30 of the Code of Federal Regulations."

     (4) When applicable, an affirmative action plan and selection procedures.

     (5) A numeric ratio of apprentices to journey-level workers may not exceed one apprentice per journey-level worker. It must be consistent with proper supervision, training, safety, continuity of employment, and applicable provisions in collective bargaining agreement, if any. The ratio must be described in the program standards and shall be specific and clear as to application in terms of job site, work group, department, or plant. An exception to this requirement may be granted by the WSATC.

     (6) A statement of the related/supplemental instruction including content, format, hours of study per year (which shall be a minimum of one hundred forty-four hours per year).

     (7) An attendance policy which includes a provision that if the apprentice fails to fulfill the related/supplemental instruction obligations, the sponsor may withhold the apprentice's periodic wage advancement, suspend or cancel the apprenticeship agreement. A provision that time spent in related/supplemental instruction classes shall not be considered as hours of work and the apprentice is not paid for the classroom time. A provision that the hours of actual attendance by the apprentice in related supplemental instruction classes must be reported to the department on a quarterly basis for industrial insurance purposes.

     (8) A provision to ensure that the sponsor provides for instruction of the apprentice during the apprentice's related/supplemental instruction in safe and healthful work practices in compliance with the Washington Industrial Safety and Health Act, and applicable federal and state regulations. ((Also, the sponsor must ensure that the employer provides the necessary instruction in safe and healthful work practices in compliance with the Washington Industrial Safety and Health Act, and applicable federal and state regulations to the apprentice for the on-the-job training portion of the apprenticeship.))

     (9) A provision for a formal agreement between the apprentice and the sponsor and for registering that agreement with the department.

     (10) A provision for the timely notice to the department of all requests for disposition or modification of apprenticeship agreements including:

     • Certificate of completion;

     • Additional credit;

     • Suspension;

     • Military service;

     • Reinstatement;

     • Cancellation; and

     • Corrections.

     (11) A provision for advancing an apprentice's standing based on previous experience in the skilled trade or in some other related capacity.

     (12) A provision for the transfer of an apprentice from one training agent to another training agent or the sponsor in order to provide as much as possible, continuous employment and diversity of training experiences for apprentices.

     (13) A provision for the amendment of the standards or deregistration of the program. This provision must comply with chapter 49.04 RCW, these rules, and WSATC policies and procedures.

     (14) An apprenticeship appeal procedure in compliance with chapters 49.04, 34.05 RCW, and these rules.

     (15) A statement of the processes in the trade or craft divisions in which the apprentice is to be taught and the approximate amount of time to be spent at each process.

     (16) A statement of the number of hours to be spent by the apprentice in work and the number of hours to be spent in related/supplemental instruction which instruction shall be not less than one hundred forty-four hours per year.

     (17) A statement of the minimum qualifications for persons entering the apprenticeship program including the age of the apprentice which may not be less than sixteen years of age. All exceptions to minimum qualifications, if any, must be clearly stated and applied in a nondiscriminatory manner.

     (18) Provision that the services of the supervisor and the WSATC may be utilized for consultation regarding the settlement of differences arising out of the apprenticeship agreement where such differences cannot be adjusted locally or as required by the established trade procedure.

     (19) Provision that if an individual training agent is unable to fulfill its obligation under the apprenticeship agreement, it will transfer the obligation to the program sponsor.

     (20) Such additional standards as may be prescribed in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.

     (21) Disciplinary procedures and criteria for apprentices. The procedures may include a committee-imposed disciplinary probation during which the committee may according to expressed criteria:

     • Withhold periodic wage advancements;

     • Suspend or cancel the apprenticeship agreement;

     • Take further disciplinary action; or

     • The disciplinary procedures must include a notice to the apprentice that the apprentice has the right to file an appeal, of the committee's action, to the WSATC.

     (22) A provision for an initial probation which the WSATC or the supervisor of apprenticeship may terminate an apprenticeship agreement at the written request by any affected party. The initial probation must not exceed twenty percent of the term of apprenticeship unless an exemption has been granted for longer probationary periods as specified by Civil Service or law. The initial probationary period must be expressed in hours of employment. During the initial probationary period, the apprenticeship agreement may be terminated by the sponsor or the apprentice without a hearing or stated cause. An appeal process is available to apprentices who have completed the initial probationary period.

     (23) Provisions prohibiting discrimination on the race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability or as otherwise specified by law during all phases of apprenticeship.

     (24) Provisions to ensure adequate records of the selection process are kept for a period of at least five years and are available to the WSATC or its representative on request. ("Adequate records" means at least a brief summary of any interviews and the conclusions reached on each of the specific factors which are part of the total judgment concerning each applicant.)

     (25) Provisions to ensure that local committee rules and regulations be consistent with these rules and the applicable apprenticeship agreement.

     (26) Provisions to ensure any proposed standards for apprenticeship are reasonably consistent with any standards for apprenticeship already approved by the WSATC for the industry, craft or trade in question taking into account the WSATC's determination of the apprenticeship needs of the trade and geographic area. (Statistical analysis of workload projections, demographics, and information relating to expected workload growth are examples of ways the sponsor may demonstrate that the need for apprentices exists.) The goal is to achieve general statewide uniformity of standards in each industry, trade or craft. Proposed standards for a new program shall be considered consistent if they are equal to or exceed the minimum number of hours approved by the United States Department of Labor for a trade, craft, or occupation. If the United States Department of Labor has not established a minimum number of hours for a trade, craft, or occupation, the WSATC may utilize its discretion to determine the minimum number of hours that must be achieved. In addition, the course content and delivery method must be designed to achieve the same levels of skills as existing standards within the state for that industry, trade, or craft.

     (27) A provision to ensure that the progressively increasing wage scales based on specified percentages of journey-level wage, which must be submitted, at least annually, to the WSATC. These may be submitted on a form provided by the department.

     A sample apprenticeship agreement and a standard form for program standards are available from the supervisor.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.04.010, 2001 c 204, and chapter 49.04 RCW. 01-22-055, § 296-05-316, filed 10/31/01, effective 1/17/02.]

OTS-5441.1

AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 01-22-055, filed 10/31/01, effective 1/17/02)

WAC 296-05-402   Equal employment opportunity process.  

((Place illustration here.))

Place illustration here.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.04.010, 2001 c 204, and chapter 49.04 RCW. 01-22-055, § 296-05-402, filed 10/31/01, effective 1/17/02.]

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