ETA Unified Agenda - [Final Rule Stage]

Title: Apprenticeship Programs, Labor Standards for Registration, Amendment of Regulations  

Abstract: Regulations that implement the National Apprenticeship Act at title 29 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) part 29 have not been updated since it was first promulgated in 1977. The Department of Labor (DOL) proposes to update 29 CFR part 29 to ensure that the National Registered Apprenticeship System has the necessary tools and flexibility to keep pace with changes in the economy, technological advances, and corresponding workforce challenges. The proposed rule addresses those changes by both making the procedures for apprenticeship program registration more flexible and strengthening oversight of program performance, including DOL's recognition of a State Apprenticeship Agency (SAA) as the appropriate agency for registering local apprenticeship programs for Federal purposes, and DOL’s de-recognition of a SAA. The proposed rule also updates part 29 to incorporate gender-neutral terms and technological advances in the delivery of related technical instruction. Such revisions will enable DOL to promote apprenticeship opportunity in the 21st century while continuing to safeguard the welfare of apprentices. 

Agency: Department of Labor(DOL) 

Priority: Other Significant 

RIN Status: Previously published in the Unified Agenda 

Agenda Stage of Rulemaking: Final Rule Stage 

Major: No 

Unfunded Mandates: No 

CFR Citation: 29 CFR 29 (Revision) (To search for a specific CFR, visit the Code of Federal Regulations.) 

Legal Authority: 50 Stat 664, as amended (29 USC 50; 40 USC 3145; 5 USC 301) 

Legal Deadline:  None

Statement of Need: Regulations for the Registered Apprenticeship System at Title 29 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) part 29 have not been updated since the Department of Labor promulgated them in 1977. The regulations must be updated to ensure that the regulatory framework for the Registered Apprenticeship System aligns with technological advancements, changes in the economy, and corresponding workforce challenges that have occurred in the past three decades. The proposed revisions will enable the Registered Apprenticeship System to continue its vital role in developing a skilled, competitive American workforce.

Summary of the Legal Basis: The regulation is authorized by Sec. 1, 50 Stat., as amended 929 U.S.C. 50; 40 U.S.C. 276c; 5 U.S.C. 301), and Reorganization Plan No. 14 of 1950, 64 Stat. 1267 (5 U.S.C. App. P. 534).

Alternatives: The public will be afforded an opportunity to provide comments on the proposed revisions of the Apprenticeship Programs, Labor Standards for Registration when the Department publishes the proposed rule in the Federal Register.

Anticipated Costs and Benefits: Preliminary estimates of anticipated costs of this regulatory action have not been determined at this time and will be determined at a later date, if appropriate.

Risks: This action does not affect public health, safety, or the environment.

Timetable:

Action	Date	FR Cite
NPRM	12/13/2007	72 FR 71020
NPRM Comment Period End	02/11/2008
NPRM Comment Period Extended	03/12/2008	73 FR 7693
Final Action	11/00/2008

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No 

Government Levels Affected: State, Tribal 

Federalism: No 

Included in the Regulatory Plan: Yes 

RIN Data Printed in the FR: No 

Agency Contact:
John Ladd
Office of Apprenticeship
Department of Labor
Employment and Training Administration
200 Constitution Avenue NW, Rm C-4517, FP Building,
Washington, DC 20210
Phone:202 693-3704
Email: ladd.john@dol.gov