Last week, the Department of Labor (DOL) announced the proposal of a new rule aimed to “address America's skills gap and expand the apprenticeship model to new industries.” The proposed rule would establish a process for recognizing Standards Recognition Entities (SRE) and Industry-Recognized Apprenticeship Programs (IRAPs).
Under the proposed rule, a SRE would establish the standards for training, structure, and curricula for the IRAPs in certain industries. Organizations that could qualify to become a SRE include educational institutions, non-profits, unions, local government entities, and trade, industry and employer groups or associations. DOL would certify each SRE to ensure they have the capacity to actively monitor each IRAPs’ program quality and that they meet all legal requirements. According to the proposed rule, to start, DOL would limit the industries IRAPs can be created in to those that do not already have a “robust” apprenticeship program presence, thus eliminating the military and construction fields.
The Department believes these industry-led, market-driven programs will provide flexibility to scale the apprenticeship model and help address America’s skills gap. The new rule suggests that in order to ensure a high-quality standard, IRAPs include paid work, work-based learning, mentorship, education and instruction, industry-recognized credentials, and safety, supervision, and EEO requirements. However, many policymakers have raised concerns about whether these standards and the enforcement by SREs are sufficient to ensure quality and student protections. To review and comment on the proposed rules, please click here. Comments are due by August 26, 2019.
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