Regional apprenticeship bill passes WA House

OLYMPIA – House Bill 1013 passed the Washington State House of Representatives on Thursday and, if enacted, would create regional apprenticeship programs for high school students.

"My bill is an effort to provide an education for the future and help ensure the success of our students, while making the most of their high school education. There's no reason a high school diploma can't lead into successful career opportunities," said Representative Jacquelin Maycumber, R-Republic, prime sponsor of the bill. "We need to encourage them to explore new opportunities and expose them to trades and careers they may have never thought of before."

In a release by her office, Maycumber called her bill a "Running Start for the Trades."

House Bill 1013, if adopted, will create a pilot program with five regional apprenticeships, three on the West side of the state and two on the East side of the state. At least one of the Eastern sites must be located in an educational service district with a high percentage of small, rural school districts that lack convenient access to skill centers or other workforce development facilities or programs, the release stated.

"I anticipate this program will grow as students get plugged into the trades that are most needed in their region," said Maycumber. "A lot of kids want to stay in the communities they've grown up in, but because of the lack of economic opportunity, they can't afford to support themselves or their families. This apprenticeship program will introduce the students to the trades, allow them to develop some basic skills and knowledge, and help them determine if they have the interest and ability to become the next great tradesmen and women!"

The release also states the bill requires the apprenticeship program to offer students dual credit opportunities to meet high school graduation requirements and earn credit toward either a postsecondary degree or industry recognized credential.

"Less than fifty percent of our graduating high school students will go on to attend a four-year university or college. We need to give our kids hope in a better future with family wage careers that are attainable," said Maycumber. "There is a substantial need for the next generation of electricians, carpenters, masons, plumbers, HVAC workers and more. Many students don't even know this is an option for them, and they don't know that you can often make six-figure salaries in these skilled trades.”

Maycumber's bill had broad bipartisan support with a total of 58 legislators signing onto her legislation, which passed the House unanimously. It now goes to the Senate for further consideration.