WAC 192-150-160   Entering approved apprenticeship training -- RCW 50.20.050 (2)(b)(xi).  (1) Effective date. RCW 50.20.050 (2)(b)(xi) and this section apply to job separations that occur on or after June 12, 2008.

     (2) Application. This section applies only if you quit work to enter into related/supplemental (classroom) instruction that is part of an apprenticeship program. If you quit work to begin employment for an employer who is a party to an apprenticeship agreement, the department will review the separation under RCW 50.20.050 (2)(b)(i) and WAC 192-150-050 to determine if you left work to accept a bona fide job offer.

     (3) Definitions. For purposes of this chapter:

     (a) "To enter" means to begin participation in the apprenticeship program.

     (i) The term "to enter" includes:

     (A) Apprentices who accept temporary work with an employer who is not a party to the apprenticeship agreement and quit work to reenter training.

     (B) Apprentices who quit work for a participating employer to enter a different apprenticeship program.

     (ii) The term "to enter" does not include:

     (A) Claimants applying for an apprenticeship program who at the time of quitting work are not enrolled in apprenticeship or preapprenticeship training. Their eligibility for benefits will be reviewed under RCW 50.20.050(2).

     (B) Current apprentices who temporarily stop work for a participating employer to attend related/supplemental instruction that is a required component of their apprenticeship agreement. Claimants in this situation are considered to be on temporary layoff from work. Their eligibility for commissioner approved training will be reviewed under WAC 192-200-020(3).

     (b) "Active participation" means attending classes, engaging in other activities that are part of the related/supplemental instruction, and working or seeking work in accordance with the apprenticeship agreement.

     (c) The terms "apprentice," "apprenticeship agreement," "apprenticeship program," "approved," and "related/supplemental instruction" have the meanings described in WAC 296-05-003.

     (4) Establishing good cause. If you quit work to enter an apprenticeship program, you will have good cause within the meaning of RCW 50.20.050 (2)(b)(xi) if you satisfactorily demonstrate that:

     (a) You have been accepted into and are entering an apprenticeship program approved by the Washington state apprenticeship training council;

     (b) Prior to leaving work, you had a confirmed start date for related/supplemental instruction; and

     (c) You continued in your employment for as long as was reasonably consistent with whatever arrangements were necessary to begin the related/supplemental instruction. In any event, you will not be eligible for benefits until the week prior to the week the related/supplemental instruction begins.



[Statutory Authority: RCW 50.12.010, 50.12.040, 50.20.010. 09-07-011, § 192-150-160, filed 3/5/09, effective 4/5/09.]