Fast Track Advanced Apprenticeships Now Act

To direct the Secretary of Labor to make a determination on whether to approve an occupation as an apprenticeable occupation in a timely manner, and for other purposes. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Fast Track Advanced Apprenticeships Now Act 2. New apprenticeable occupations (a) In general The Secretary of Labor shall review and make a determination on whether to approve an occupation as an apprenticeable occupation not later than 45 days after receiving an application from a person seeking such approval from the Secretary. (b) Estimated timeline If such determination is not made within 45 days, the Secretary shall provide the applicant with a written explanation for the delay and offer an estimated timeline for a determination that does not exceed 90 days after the date of such written explanation. 3. Industry-recognized occupational standards (a) In general The Secretary shall convene, on an ongoing basis and taking into consideration recommendations of the National Advisory Committee on Apprenticeships, as authorized under the Act of August 16, 1937 (commonly referred to as the National Apprenticeship Act), the industry sector leaders and experts described in subsection (b) for the purposes of establishing or updating specific frameworks of industry-recognized occupational standards for apprenticeable occupations (including potential apprenticeable occupations) that— (1) meet the requirements of subpart A of part 29, and part 30 of title 29, Code of Federal Regulations (as in effect on September 18, 2020); and (2) describe program scope and length, related instruction, on-the-job training, recognized postsecondary credentials, and competencies, and relevant timelines for review of such frameworks. (b) Industry sector leaders and experts The industry sector leaders and experts are employers, industry associations, joint labor-management organizations, labor organizations, education and training providers, credential providers, program participants, and other stakeholders relevant to the sector or occupation for which the frameworks are being established or updated, as determined by the Secretary. (c) Priority industry-Recognized apprenticeable occupations In establishing frameworks under subsection (a) for the first time after the date enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall prioritize the establishment of such standards in high-skill, high-wage, or in-demand industry sectors and occupations. 4. Definitions In this Act: (1) Apprenticeship The term apprenticeship apprenticeship program (A) registered with the Department of Labor under the Act of August 16, 1937 (commonly known as the National Apprenticeship Act 29 U.S.C. 50 (B) that complies with the requirements of subpart A of part 29, and part 30 of title 29, Code of Federal Regulations (as in effect on September 18, 2020). (2) National apprenticeship system The term national apprenticeship system (3) Recognized postsecondary credential The term recognized postsecondary credential 29 U.S.C. 3102 (4) Secretary The term Secretary 5. Funding Any funds appropriated under this Act shall only be used for, or provided to, programs under the national apprenticeship system, including any funds awarded for the purposes of grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements, or the development, implementation, or administration, of programs under the national apprenticeship system.

Summary: Fast Track Advanced Apprenticeships Now Act This bill requires the Department of Labor to make a determination on whether to approve an application for certain occupations as apprenticeable occupations within 45 days after its receipt or else provide the applicant with a written explanation for the delay and offer an estimated timeline for a determination within 90 days after the explanation. Furthermore, Labor must convene—on an ongoing basis and take into consideration recommendations of the National Advisory Committee on Apprenticeships—certain industry sector leaders and experts to establish or update specific frameworks of industry-recognized occupational standards for current and potential apprenticeable occupations that (1) meet federal regulations governing safety and health standards and equal employment opportunity in apprenticeships; and (2) describe program scope and length, related instructions, on-the-job training, recognized postsecondary credentials, and competencies, and relevant timelines for review of such frameworks.