Dept. of Labor issues apprenticeship rules

Manufacturing & Technology News, Jan 24, 2008

The Department of Labor has proposed new rules for a national apprenticeship program that will "set up a more flexible and user-friendly approach for apprentices and employers and make updates and changes affecting state apprenticeship agencies and the Department of Labor," says Emily Stover DeRocco, departing Assistant Secretary of Labor for Employment and Training. "The revisions would expand the ways that individuals can advance through apprenticeships." The types of training would expand to include three types of apprenticeships: one based on competency that does not require a specific number of hours of on-the-job training; another based on the time spent on the job; and a hybrid approach that combines hours spent on the job and technical instruction. "The proposed changes provide for interim credential certificates so that active apprentices can demonstrate their proficiency in particular required skills and competencies to employers," says the Department of Labor. "Provisions also feature reciprocity, which would allow programs to cross state lines, so long as the host state's applicable laws are followed." The proposed standards are located at www.dol.gov/eta/regs/fedreg/proposed/2007024178.pdf.>