STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
RS27872 / H0621
Apprenticeships are an important and growing part of our state’s workforce development efforts. New
flexibility from the federal government further highlights the opportunity to encourage more employers to
offer apprenticeships to Idaho’s youth. This bill establishes a new opportunity for employers who offer
apprenticeships and people who are getting licensure through an apprenticeship. The bill builds on existing
resources at the Department of Labor to offer assessment and training on skills that compliment what a person
learns in an apprenticeship. The apprenticeship makes sure that the candidate has the industry skills, and this
makes sure that the candidate has workplace readiness skills to go along with his or her industry knowledge.
The new resources would include assessments of workplace readiness skills and career aptitude, as well as
training of soft skills such as punctuality, ability to learn and ability to work in a team. Upon completion of
the assessments and training, an apprentice would be able to earn a certification to show workplace readiness.
FISCAL NOTE
The total cost of statewide implementation is between $500,000 and $1 million. Other states who have
included assessment and certification as a part of their workforce resources have used all federal funding or
a combination of state and federal funds to pay for it. Federal funding source options include Workforce
Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) funding through the Department of Labor and Perkins Act funding
through the Department of Education.
Contact:
Representative Tammy Nichols
(208) 332-1000
DISCLAIMER: This statement of purpose and fiscal note are a mere attachment to this bill and prepared by a proponent
of the bill. It is neither intended as an expression of legislative intent nor intended for any use outside of the legislative
process, including judicial review (Joint Rule 18).
Statement of Purpose / Fiscal Note Bill SOP/FN INTRODUCED: 03/10/2020, 8:54 AM