The bill allows specialty electricians to continue working under their valid specialty certificate of competency while enrolled in a journey level apprenticeship program. A new section is added to chapter 49.04 RCW, stipulating that employers can utilize apprentices registered in approved programs to perform work under their specialty certificates without changing their status in the program. Employers must submit quarterly attestations of the apprentice's hours worked under the specialty certificate and provide annual notices to apprentices regarding their work and potential impacts on wage progression. However, the hours worked under the specialty certificate will not count towards the required work experience for completing the apprenticeship program.

Additionally, the bill exempts employers from the standard requirement of reasonably continuous employment, provided they offer at least 800 working hours each year that count towards the apprenticeship program. The Department of Labor and Industries has the authority to suspend an employer's authorization if they find willful or repeated submission of incorrect information or failure to submit required attestations. The act is set to take effect on January 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 19.28.161