OH HB541

Raises minimum age for apprentices from 16 years old to 16 years old, but allows higher minimum age standards if fixed by law.

Changes apprenticeship council's authority from "establish" to "recommend" minimum standards and from "issue" to "recommend" rules for apprenticeship programs.

Designates a "council office" within the Department of Job and Family Services to staff the apprenticeship council and perform administrative and oversight functions for the registered apprenticeship system.

Shifts registration authority from standards established by the council to standards set by federal regulations and state rules governing the registered apprenticeship system.

Removes the council's authority to issue certificates of completion of apprenticeship and transfers rulemaking and administrative duties to the executive secretary of the council office, subject to director of job and family services oversight.