This bill mandates that all state-registered apprenticeship programs in the building and construction trades provide behavioral health and wellness training to apprentices, effective July 1, 2027. The new section added to chapter 49.04 RCW stipulates that apprentices must successfully complete a minimum of two hours of this training, which is in addition to the existing instructional hours required for their respective programs. Furthermore, any new or updated apprenticeship program standards approved by the apprenticeship council after this date must incorporate these training hours.

The behavioral health and wellness training will cover essential topics aimed at promoting mental health awareness and support among apprentices. These topics include destigmatizing behavioral health, recognizing signs of distress, suicide prevention, substance abuse disorder awareness and prevention, and providing peer support while connecting individuals to available resources. This initiative aims to enhance the overall well-being of apprentices in the construction industry, equipping them with the necessary skills to address mental health challenges effectively.