Apprenticeship programs: approval process.

Assembly Member Jackson's proposal to reform California's apprenticeship program approval process establishes new timelines and conditional pathways for non-construction and non-firefighter apprenticeships. The legislation requires the Division of Apprenticeship Standards to confirm application completeness within 30 days and make final determinations within one year.

Under the bill, programs that have not received a final determination after six months would qualify for conditional approval if they meet three requirements: U.S. Department of Labor approval, documented employer commitments demonstrating capacity to employ and train apprentices, and partnership with a local educational agency to provide theoretical instruction. These conditionally approved programs would operate under specific oversight requirements set by the Division pending final review.

The measure maintains existing regulations for building trades and firefighter apprenticeships while creating new pathways for other industries. Local agencies and school districts may face additional responsibilities related to program oversight and anti-discrimination enforcement, though the bill specifies that no state reimbursement is required for these costs. The Division retains authority to request supplemental information throughout the review process and impose conditions on provisionally approved programs.