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Apprenticeship bill draws fierce pro and con testimony over standards, competition and tribal inclusion
Summary
House Bill 1777 would change how the Washington State Apprenticeship and Training Council approves programs and handles competitor objections; supporters said it would remove barriers to new programs, while unions and trades warned it would weaken state standards.
The House Postsecondary Education & Workforce Committee on Feb. 11, 2025, heard extensive testimony on House Bill 1777, which would modify the process by which the Washington State Apprenticeship and Training Council approves apprenticeship programs and resolves competitor objections. Staff described the bill as requiring the council to approve programs that meet statutory and council-adopted standards, providing provisional 12‑month registration (extendable), expediting federal approvals and permitting sanctions for frivolous objections.
Sponsor Representative Suzanne Schmidt (4th District) framed the bill as a response to a persistent workforce shortage and to obstacles that prevent new apprenticeship sponsors from getting programs registered quickly. Schmidt said delays and legal costs — she cited industry testimony estimating up to $200,000 and two to three…
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