This bill establishes a state apprenticeship office within the Department of Labor and Workforce Development in Alaska, along with the creation of the Alaska Apprenticeship Advisory Council to oversee apprenticeship programs. The new office will be responsible for maintaining recognition as a state apprenticeship agency from the U.S. Department of Labor, registering apprenticeship programs, and developing regulations in consultation with the council, which will consist of nine members from various sectors. The bill also clarifies that discrimination provisions based on age do not apply to registered apprenticeship programs and allows grants to support these programs, enhancing workforce development and training opportunities in the state.

Additionally, the bill amends existing laws by introducing the responsibility for the department to operate the state apprenticeship office to meet federal standards, while removing the requirement for the department to gather data on high school graduating classes. It also establishes a transition plan for the initial terms of the council members, ensuring staggered terms of one, two, and three years to facilitate a smooth integration of the new apprenticeship office into Alaska's workforce development framework.

Statutes affected:
HB0360A, AM HB 360, introduced 02/23/2026: 18.80.295, 23.05.400, 23.05.450, 23.05.410, 39.25.120, 23.05.420, 39.20.180, 23.05.430, 23.15.620, U.S.C, 23.15.641, 39.25.130, 33.30.071, 33.36.130, 43.20.014, 37.14.750, 14.16.200, 43.55.019, 43.55.011, 23.15.400, 44.31.020, 39.27.030, 14.17.990