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 include specific information in its annual report, such as the status of apprenticeship program applications and a comparative analysis of approval rates between state and federal levels. The recodification of existing laws related to apprenticeship programs into the new chapter is also mandated, 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.