Adds to existing law to establish an Idaho apprenticeship skills program.

Idaho has taken several steps in recent years to encourage the use of apprenticeships as part of workforce development efforts. There is broad recognition that high-quality apprenticeship training provides the sort of on-the-job, real-world skill development not easily found in a traditional classroom setting, and can be a meaningful way to help Idahoans transition from to an educational setting or short-term job to a long-term career. This legislation seeks to expand on those efforts by making it easier for Idahoans to meet licensure requirements through approved, on-the-job apprenticeships. It provides a path to licensure for an applicant who completes an apprenticeship, passes any required examination and pays any required fees. This bill is similar to what has been done for barbers and cosmetologists in the last couple of years and expands it to other licensed occupations. Apprenticeships are defined as programs where skills are learned in a practical, structured, systematic program of on-the-job supervised learning. Apprenticeships are based on skills recognized by industry and help participants develop those skills to the industry standard through on-the-job learning and supplemental instruction. The bill requires that licensing boards treat candidates for licensure the same, whether they take a traditional route or seek licensure through apprenticeship. Specifically, boards cannot impose more stringent exam requirements or fees. Finally, the bill requires relevant state agencies to work together to expand the availability of apprenticeship training in the state.