(1) A sponsoring apprenticeship committee is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the apprenticeship and training program and operating the program consistent with the standards of the WSATC. Committees may be either:

(a) Group: Representing more than one employer or employer association; or

(b) Individual: Representing an individual employer.

(2) An apprenticeship committee consists of at least four but not more than twelve members, of an equal number of management and worker representatives, and may be either:

(a) Joint: Composed of an equal number of representatives of the employer(s) and of the employees represented by a bona fide collective bargaining agent(s); or

(b) Nonjoint: Composed of an equal number of employer and employee representatives but does not have a bona fide collective bargaining agent as a participant.

(3) Apprenticeship committee members must:

(a) At least fifty percent of the members must hold journey-level status, or greater, in their specific occupation when representing one occupation;

(b) Be qualified by education and experience in the areas the committee represents and able to represent the interests of the multiple occupations when representing multiple occupations;

(c) Familiar with the applicable apprenticeship standards.

(4) In order to be considered for approval by the WSATC, a sponsoring apprenticeship committee must ensure as follows for:

(a) Employers: That signing a collective bargaining agreement as a condition of participation in an apprenticeship program is not required; and that a request for approved training agent status requires compliance with WSATC approved agreements and all federal and state apprenticeship rules and standards.

(b) Apprentices: That apprentices work only for approved training agents.

(c) Program sponsors: That training agent agreements are approved and signed; that copies of agreements and lists of approved employers/training agents are furnished to the department within thirty calendar days of approval; and that when training agent agreements are rescinded, notice is sent to the department within thirty calendar days.

(5) An apprenticeship committee must offer apprenticeship and training opportunities on an equal basis to all eligible apprentices and employers, unless the committee represents individual or plant programs. If an existing group committee fails to do so, the WSATC may take action to ensure compliance with chapter 49.04 RCW and these rules.

(6) Apprenticeship committees must meet at least three times per year and elect a chair and secretary to conduct and record meetings. Records of meetings must be kept and forwarded to the department.