This bill amends the Iowa Registered Apprenticeship Act to introduce the concept of "intermediary sponsors," which are entities that provide apprenticeship training to multiple employers and serve as sponsors for apprentices. The bill outlines that intermediary sponsors have the sole discretion to approve partner employers, ensuring these employers comply with established standards. Additionally, it prohibits the Iowa office of apprenticeship from canceling or deregistering an intermediary sponsor based on the actions of partner employers, although it allows for the cancellation or suspension of a partner employer if they materially breach their responsibilities.

Furthermore, the bill establishes specific procedures for the cancellation, suspension, or deregistration of apprenticeship sponsors, including intermediary sponsors, based solely on material breaches of the requirements set forth in the Iowa Registered Apprenticeship Act. It also introduces provisions regarding the employment of apprentices by licensed journeypersons or masters under the Iowa Plumber, Mechanical Professional, and Contractor Licensing Act, allowing a maximum ratio of three apprentices to one licensee. Lastly, the bill makes intermediary sponsors eligible for financial assistance under the Iowa Apprenticeship Act, while specifying that sponsors whose apprentices receive training from a lead apprenticeship sponsor are not eligible for such assistance.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 84D.2, 84D.4, 84D.7, 105.18, 84E.2