This bill aims to enhance the approval and registration process for apprenticeship programs in Washington State, addressing a significant projected shortage of skilled workers. The legislation introduces a new chapter to Title 28B RCW, which includes provisions for expediting the approval of apprenticeship programs that have already received federal approval. It mandates that the apprenticeship council must approve and register programs that meet established standards, with initial registrations being provisional for 12 months. The bill also reforms the competitor objection process, allowing for expedited consideration of objections and imposing potential sanctions on competitors who file frivolous objections.

Additionally, the bill requires the apprenticeship council to provide detailed annual reports that include the status of apprenticeship program applications, reasons for any denials, and a comparative analysis of Washington's approval rates against federal and other state rates. The recodification of existing laws related to apprenticeship programs into the new chapter is also included, ensuring that all references to the previous chapter are updated accordingly. Overall, the legislation seeks to streamline the apprenticeship program approval process, thereby increasing the availability of skilled workers in the state.