The bill proposes significant amendments to Rhode Island's General Laws concerning apprenticeships in trades such as electricians, plumbers, and various mechanical trades. It revises the language and requirements for the registration and supervision of apprentice electricians and similar trades, replacing terms like "limited-registered" and "indentured" with "registered." The bill mandates that registered apprentices complete a minimum number of hours and related instruction in a registered apprenticeship program approved by the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training to qualify for electrician examinations. It also allows for credit for classroom training from approved vocational or trade schools and introduces a new section detailing exam requirements for apprentices.

Furthermore, the bill redefines the qualifications for journeyperson licenses in the mechanical trades, changing the required apprenticeship duration and removing certain educational requirements. It also updates the fees for license renewals, expiration dates for licenses, and the process for obtaining various journeyperson licenses. New sections establish the registration of apprentices and set requirements for mechanical licensing exams, emphasizing the removal of age-specific language to create opportunities for individuals of all ages. The bill outlines the standards and requirements for apprenticeship programs, including wage scales, probationary periods, and the ratio of apprentices to journeypersons. It introduces new definitions for "apprenticeable occupation" and "apprenticeship agreement," and mandates that agreements contain specific terms and conditions. The bill also includes protections against discrimination and addresses reciprocity for apprenticeship programs from other states. It repeals a section related to vocational school training and is set to take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
917: 5-70-5, 28-45-18