Governor Gregoire Signs Bill Creating "Running Start for the Trades"

For Immediate Release: March 21, 2006

OLYMPIA � Governor Chris Gregoire today signed into law House Bill 2789, a bill she requested that will expand post-graduation apprenticeship opportunities for high school students.

�The opportunities created by this bill are important to many people. They are important to our high school students who want to pursue careers in the building trades but do not know where to start. They are important to the building trades, which are going to need talented young people to replace tradesmen and women ending their careers. They are important to Washington because skilled workers mean strong families and a strong economy,� said Governor Gregoire.

The bill requires the Washington Apprenticeship and Training Council to lead an educational-outreach program about apprenticeships for middle and secondary school students, educators and parents. The Apprenticeship Council will oversee and approve direct-entry apprenticeship programs, including awarding up to ten incentive grants to school districts to pay for implementing agreements with local apprenticeships.

For information on all bill action, please visit Governor Gregoire's website or the Washington Legislature website.

Legislation signed today by Governor Gregoire:

House Bills:
�2596, 2789, 3134 and 3178.


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