SJ0078 100TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SJ0078 LRB100 21949 ALS 39937 r

SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Apprenticeship programs integrate systematic on-the-job training, guided by an experienced master-level practitioner in an occupation, with classroom instruction; and

WHEREAS, The federal government, in cooperation with the states, registers apprenticeship programs that meet federal and state standards; and

WHEREAS, The best programs, which provide multiple industries with highly-skilled workers who earn family-sustaining wages, are registered with government agencies, operated by sponsors representing labor and management organizations and are funded through collectively bargained contributions to tax-exempt trust funds; and

WHEREAS, By partnering with employers, unions help working people develop in-demand skills to power the next generation of American-led innovation; and

WHEREAS, Joint labor-management training programs in the building and construction industry contribute about $1.5 billion to the American economy every year; and

WHEREAS, Labor management partnerships combine to offer opportunities for working people in many other industries, including health care, construction, manufacturing, hospitality, and aerospace; and

WHEREAS, The mission of the Chicago Regional Council of Carpenters Apprentice and Training Program is to provide members both classroom and hands-on training to guarantee that the safest, best-trained, and skilled work force is at the forefront of the technology to meet the employment needs of the industry, now and in the future; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDREDTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING HEREIN, that the Apprentice Higher Education Task Force is created and shall consist of nine members appointed as follows:

(1) Two members appointed by the President of the Senate, one of whom will be named Co-Chairperson;

(2) Two members appointed by the Minority Leader of the Senate;

(3) Two members appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, one of whom will be named Co-Chairperson;

(4) Two members appointed by the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, with higher education experience; and

(5) Chairperson of the Illinois Community College Board of his or her designee; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the members of the Task Force shall serve without compensation, but shall be reimbursed for their reasonable and necessary expenses from funds appropriated for that purpose; and be it further

RESOLVED, That two Task Force members must have apprentice training experience from a skilled labor union, and two Task Force members must have higher education experience; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Task Force may employ skilled experts with the approval of the Chairperson and shall receive the cooperation of those State agencies it deems appropriate to assist the Task Force in carrying out its duties; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Illinois Community College Board shall provide administrative and other support to the Task Force; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Task Force shall have the following duties:

(1) To increase awareness of skilled trade apprentice training center programs in Illinois;

(2) To review the Career and Workforce Transition Act;

(3) To develop new guidelines and procedures to modernize Higher Learning Commission accreditation process with regards to skilled labor apprentice training graduates; and

(4) To make uniform new guidelines and procedures for an accredited public community college district or an accredited two-year and four-year institution of higher education to enforce the Career Workforce Transition Act; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the report filed with the General Assembly shall be filed with the Secretary of the Senate and the Clerk of the House of Representatives in electronic form only, in the manner that the Secretary and Clerk shall direct; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Task Force shall report to the Governor and the General Assembly by January 1, 2019.