H.R. 10560: To amend the National Apprenticeship Act to require sponsors of registered apprenticeship programs to employ a certain amount of journeyworkers.

This bill would change federal apprenticeship law in two main ways:

1. It would create a new federal process for recognizing “industry-recognized” apprenticeship programs

The Secretary of Labor would have to set up, within one year, a process for approving certain public or private organizations as standards recognition entities. These entities would be able to recognize apprenticeship programs as “industry-recognized apprenticeship programs.”

The bill says the Labor Secretary could not refuse recognition to an organization that meets the bill’s requirements and completes the approval process. It also says the process should be flexible and have low paperwork and reporting burdens.

To qualify, an industry-recognized apprenticeship program would have to include at least:

• paid work
• on-the-job training
• a mentorship component
• classroom or other formal education
• a written development plan and apprenticeship agreement
• safety and supervision components

It would also have to provide an industry-recognized credential during or after the apprenticeship.

2. It would require a minimum number of journeyworkers in apprenticeship programs

The bill would require both federally registered apprenticeships and industry-recognized apprenticeship programs to employ at least 1 journeyworker for every 3 apprentices.

A journeyworker is defined as a worker who has reached a skilled, experienced level in the occupation and is recognized in the industry as having mastered the necessary skills.

After a study is completed, the Labor Secretary would be allowed to reduce that ratio if appropriate, meaning the final requirement could be less strict than 1-to-3.

3. It would require a study of the journeyworker requirement

Within one year after enactment, the Labor Secretary would have to study whether the journeyworker ratio:

• affects apprentice safety
• changes the cost of running apprenticeship programs
• should be changed

4. It would redefine and expand some apprenticeship-related terms

The bill defines “industry-recognized apprenticeship program” broadly to include competency-based programs recognized by an approved standards recognition entity and developed or delivered by a range of organizations, including trade groups, corporations, nonprofits, colleges, labor organizations, and labor-management organizations.

It also explicitly says such programs may include construction training.

Likely practical effects

If enacted, the bill would likely increase the number of supervisors or experienced workers that apprenticeship programs must have on staff relative to apprentices. That could affect program size, staffing, and operating costs. It would also create a new federal recognition pathway for apprenticeship programs outside the existing system.

Relevant Companies

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