,i #aafth ,,congress #b;d ,session ,h4 ,r4 #hcjb ,,in ,,the ,,house ,,of ,,representatives ,september #ag1 #bjbj,mr4 ,levin of ,michigan 7for himself and ,ms4 ,bonamici7 introduced the following bill2 which was referred to the ,committee on ,education and ,labor ,a ,,bill ,to promote the furtherance of standards necessary to safeguard the welfare of apprentices4 #a4 ,short title ,this ,act may be cited as the ,strengthening ,training and ,accessibility for ,new and ,diverse ,apprenticeships through ,relevant and ,dependable ,standards ,act or the ,,standards ,act4 #b4 ,quality standards of apprenticeship programs under the ,national ,apprenticeship ,system 7a7 ,in general ,not later than one year after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary of ,labor 7acting through the ,administrator of the ,office of ,apprenticeship7 shall formulate and promote the furtherance of quality standards necessary to safeguard the welfare of apprentices4 7b7 ,apprenticeship program standards ,an apprenticeship program shall meet the following standards3 7#a7 ,the program has an organized and clearly written plan1 developed by the sponsor1 that includes1 at a minimum1 the following information3 7,a7 ,the employment and training to be received by each apprentice participating in the program1 including-- 7i7 an outline of the work processes or the plan in which the apprentice will receive supervised work experience and on-the-job learning2 7ii7 the allocation of the approximate amount of time to be spent in each major work process by the apprentice2 7iii7 a description of the mentoring that will be provided to the apprentice2 and 7iv7 a description or timeline explaining the periodic reviews and evaluations of the apprentice's performance on the job and in related instruction4 7,b7 ,a process for maintaining appropriate progress records1 including the reviews and evaluations described in subparagraph 7,a77iv74 7,c7 ,a description of the organized1 related instruction the apprentice will receive in technical subjects related to the occupation1 which-- 7i7 for time-based or hybrid apprenticeship programs as described in subparagraph 7,e71 shall include not less than #add hours for each year of apprenticeship1 unless an alternative requirement is put forth by the employer and sponsor that reflects industry standards and is accepted by the ,administrator2 7ii7 may be accomplished through classroom instruction1 occupational or industry courses1 instruction provided through electronic media1 or other instruction approved by the registration agency2 7iii7 shall be provided by one or more qualified instructors that-- 7,i7 7aa7 meet technical instructor requirements of the applicable education agency in the ,state of registration2 or 7bb7 are subject matter experts1 defined for purposes of this subparagraph as individuals recognized within an industry as having expertise in a specific occupation2 and 7,,ii7 have training in teaching techniques and learning styles1 or will obtain such training before providing the related technical instruction2 and 7iv7 where appropriate and to the extent practicable1 shall be aligned to a career pathway4 7,d7 ,a progressively increasing1 clearly defined schedule of wages to be paid to the apprentice that is-- 7i7 consistent with measurable skill gains2 and 7ii7 ensures the entry wage is not less than the greater of-- 7,i7 the minimum wage required under section #f7;a7 of the ,fair ,labor ,standards ,act of #aich 7#bi ,u4,s4,c4 #bjf7;a772 or 7,,ii7 the applicable wage required by other applicable ,federal or ,state laws 7including regulations7 or collective bargaining agreements4 7,e7 ,the term of the apprenticeship program1 which may be measured through-- 7i7 a time-based model1 which requires the completion of the industry standard for on-the-job learning hours 1which in no case shall be less than #b1jjj hours1 unless an alternative requirement is put forth by the employer and sponsor that reflects industry standards and is accepted by the ,secretary and registration agency2 7ii7 a competency-based model1 which requires the attainment of competency in the occupation2 or 7iii7 a hybrid model1 which blends the time-based and competency-based approaches4 7,f7 ,the methods used to measure an apprentice's skills and competencies1 may include an initial diagnostic assessment of credentials that verify an individual's foundational knowledge and skills that would be needed to succeed in an apprenticeship program1 and which shall include-- 7i7 in the case of a time-based apprenticeship described in subparagraph 7,e77i71 the individual apprentice's completion of the required hours of on-the-job learning as described in a work process schedule2 7ii7 in the case of a competency-based model1 the individual apprentice's successful demonstration of acquired skills and knowledge through appropriate means of testing and evaluation for such competencies1 and by requiring apprentices to complete a paid on-the-job learning component of the apprenticeship2 or 7iii7 in the case of a hybrid apprenticeship described in subparagraph 7,e77iii71 a combination of specified minimum number of hours of on-the-job learning and the successful demonstration of competency1 as described in a work process schedule4 7#b7 ,the program equally grants advanced standing or credit to all individuals applying for the apprenticeship with demonstrated competency or acquired experience1 training1 or skills1 and provides commensurate wages for any progression in standing or credit so granted1 including for veterans' service acquired skills and experiences4 7#c7 ,the program has minimum qualifications for individuals desiring to enter the apprenticeship program1 with an eligible starting age for an apprentice of not less than #af years4 7#d7 ,in the case of a program that chooses to issue an interim credential1 the program-- 7,a7 clearly identifies each interim credential2 7,b7 only issues an interim credential for recognized components of an apprenticeable occupation and demonstrates how each interim credential specifically links to the knowledge1 skills1 and abilities associated with such components2 and 7,c7 establishes the process for assessing an individual apprentice's demonstration of competency and measurable skill gains associated with the particular interim credential4 7#e7 ,the program-- 7,a7 has adequate and safe equipment1 environments1 and facilities for training and supervision2 7,b7 provides safety training on-the-job and in related instruction as applicable by apprenticeable occupation2 and 7,c7 provides adequate training for mentors and qualified instructors on providing a safe work and training environment4 7#f7 ,the program records and maintains all records concerning the program as may be required by the ,secretary1 the registration agency of the program1 or any other applicable law1 including records required under title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code1 in order for veterans and other individuals eligible for educational assistance under such title to use such assistance for enrollment in the program4 7#g7 ,the ,administrator shall promote diversity and ensure equal opportunity to participate in programs for apprentices1 youth apprentices1 and pre-apprentices1 including-- 7,a7 taking steps necessary to promote diversity in apprenticeable occupations under the national apprenticeship system1 especially in high-skill1 high-wage1 or in-demand industry sectors and occupations in areas with high percentages of low-income individuals2 7,b7 ensuring programs under the national apprenticeship system-- 7i7 adopt and implement policies to provide for equal opportunity in such programs1 as described in section #cj4c of title #bi1 ,code of ,federal ,regulations 7as in effect on ,january #ca1 #bjbj72 7ii7 do not engage in intimidation or retaliation as prohibited under section #cj4ag of title #bi1 ,code of ,federal ,regulations 7as in effect on ,january #ca1 #bjbj72 and 7iii7 are subject1 for any violation of clause 7i7 or 7ii71 to enforcement action under this ,act2 and 7,c7 supporting the recruitment1 employment1 and retention of nontraditional apprenticeship populations in programs under the national apprenticeship system in high-skill1 high-wage1 and in-demand industry sectors and occupations1 including women1 people of color1 individuals with disabilities1 individuals impacted by the criminal and juvenile justice system1 and individuals with barriers to employment1 as applicable4 7#h7 ,the program awards a certificate of completion in recognition of successful completion of the program1 evidenced by an appropriate certificate issued by the registration agency1 and culminates in a recognized postsecondary credential 7as defined in section #c of the ,workforce ,innovation and ,opportunity ,act74 7#i7 ,the program provides that an individual who is to become a program participant under the program enters into a written apprenticeship agreement with the sponsor of the program4 7#aj7 ,the ratio of program participants to supervisors 7such as journeyworkers1 mentors1 or on-the-job learning instructors1 as applicable7 for the apprenticeable occupation1 that are based on evidence-based and evidence-informed best practices for supervision1 training1 safety1 and continuity of employment1 throughout the work processes of the program1 job site1 department1 or plant1 appropriate for the degree of hazard in different occupations1 and provisions in collective bargaining agreements1 as applicable1 except if such ratios are expressly prohibited by the collective bargaining agreements4 7c7 ,apprenticeship agreements 7#a7 ,in general ,to ensure the standards described in subsection 7b7 are applied to programs under the national apprenticeship system1 the ,administrator shall require a sponsor to develop an apprenticeship agreement that shall-- 7,a7 be the same for each program participant2 7,b7 contain the names and signatures of the program participant and the sponsor2 7,c7 meet the requirements of paragraph 7#b72 and 7,d7 be submitted to the registration agency in accordance with the registration requirements of the program sponsor4 7#b7 ,standards ,each agreement under paragraph 7#a7 shall contain1 explicitly or by reference1 program standards under subsection 7b71 including-- 7,a7 in the case of an apprenticeship program-- 7i7 that is time-based1 a statement of the number of hours to be spent by the program participant in on-the-job learning and on-the-job training in order to complete the program2 7ii7 that is competency-based1 a description of the skill sets to be attained by completion of the program1 including the on-the-job learning and work components2 or 7iii7 that is a hybrid model1 the minimum number of hours to be spent by the program participant in on-the-job learning and work components and in related instruction1 and a description of the skill sets and competencies to be attained by completion of the program2 7,b7 the number of hours and form of related instruction1 including how related instruction will be compensated 7whether through academic credit1 wages1 or both71 the costs the program participant will incur costs for participating in the program 7such as for equipment or related instruction71 and the recognized postsecondary credentials the program participants will be eligible to receive upon program completion2 7,c7 a schedule of the work processes in the occupation or industry divisions in which the program participant is to be trained and the approximate time to be spent at each process2 7,d7 for apprenticeships or youth apprenticeships1 the graduated wage scale to be paid to the apprentices1 benefits offered to the apprentices1 and how the wages and benefits compare to ,state1 local1 or regional wages in the related occupation2 and 7,e7 demonstration of commitment to and compliance with subsection 7b77#g74 7d7 ,apprenticeable occupation ,for an occupation to be an apprenticeable occupation under this ,act1 a person seeking approval for such occupation to be an apprenticeable occupation shall submit an application to the ,secretary of ,labor 7acting through the ,administrator of the ,office of ,apprenticeship7 that demonstrates that such apprenticeable occupation will prepare individuals for the full range of skills and competencies needed for such occupation by describing how such apprenticeable occupation shall-- 7#a7 meet the industry recognized occupational standards required by the ,administrator2 or 7#b7 involve the progressive attainment of skills competencies and knowledge that are-- 7,a7 clearly identified and commonly recognized throughout an industry or occupation2 7,b7 customarily learned or enhanced in a practical way through a structured1 systematic program of on-the-job supervised learning and related instruction to supplement such learning2 and 7,c7 offered through a time-based1 competency-based1 or a hybrid model measured using-- 7i7 a time-based model1 which requires the completion of the industry standard for on-the-job learning hours 1which in no case shall be less than #b1jjj hours1 unless an alternative requirement is put forth by the employer and sponsor that reflects industry standards and is accepted by the ,secretary2 7ii7 a competency-based model1 which requires the attainment of competency in the occupation2 or 7iii7 a hybrid model1 which blends the time-based and competency-based approaches4 7e7 ,registration agency defined ,the term registration agency means the ,state ,office of ,apprenticeship or ,state apprenticeship agency in a ,state that is responsible for-- 7#a7 approving or denying applications from sponsors for registration of programs under the national apprenticeship system in the ,state or area covered by the registration agency2 and 7#b7 carrying out the responsibilities of supporting the apprenticeship programs registered by the registration agency1 including-- 7,a7 determining whether to approve a proposal submitted by a sponsor and notifying the sponsor of the determination by not later than #fj days after receipt of the proposal2 and 7,b7 ,if the proposal is approved1 the amending the record of the program to reflect the modification or change1 and providing the sponsor or program administrator with an acknowledgment of the amended program1 by not later than #cj days after the date of approval4