This bill introduces a new section to chapter 49.04 RCW, allowing specialty electricians to continue working under their valid specialty certificate of competency while enrolled in a journey level apprenticeship program. It stipulates that employers can utilize apprentices registered in approved programs to perform work under their specialty certificates without changing their status in the program. However, employers must submit a quarterly attestation of the apprentice's hours worked under the specialty certificate and provide annual notice to the apprentice regarding the work, wage, and potential impact on wage progression due to low hour accumulation.

Additionally, the bill clarifies that hours worked under the specialty certificate do not count towards the required work experience for completing the apprenticeship program. It also exempts employers from the standard requiring reasonably continuous employment, provided they offer at least 800 working hours each year that count towards the apprenticeship. The bill includes provisions for the suspension of employer authorization if they submit incorrect information or fail to submit required attestations in a timely manner, and it allows the director of the department of labor and industries to adopt rules for implementation.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 19.28.161