WA HB1777

Washington faces a projected shortage of 228,000 workers with apprenticeship credentials over the next decade, with only 86,000 of 313,000 needed positions fillable through current systems

Apprenticeship programs with current federal approval receive expedited state consideration, with review limited to areas where state requirements exceed federal standards

Competitor objections may only be filed within 30 days after provisional approval is granted, and objectors may be required to pay applicant attorneys' fees if objections lack substantial justification

Competitors filing two or more frivolous objections face sanctions including attorneys' fees, monetary penalties up to $10,000, or other penalties

Annual reporting must include status of all program applications, denial reasons, competitor objection outcomes, and comparison of Washington's approval rate to federal and other state rates