(105 ILCS 5/2-3.175)

Sec. 2-3.175. Registered apprenticeship program.

(a) In this Section, "registered apprenticeship program" means an industry-based occupational training program of study with standards reviewed and approved by the United States Department of Labor that meets each of the following characteristics:

(1) Apprentices in the program are at all times employed by a company participating in the program.

(2) The program features a structured combination of on-the-job learning supported by related technical classroom instruction, met either by a high school or a public community college.

(3) Apprentices in the program are paid a training wage of not less than the State minimum wage, which escalates throughout the life of the apprenticeship, and employment is continued with the company following conclusion of the apprenticeship for a period of not less than 2 years.

(4) Apprentices in the program earn an industry-related occupational skills certificate and a high school diploma.

(5) Apprentices in the program may earn postsecondary credit toward a certificate or degree, as applicable. "Registered apprenticeship program" does not include an apprenticeship program related to construction, as defined under the Employee Classification Act.

(b) No later than 6 months after August 20, 2018 (the effective date of Public Act 100-992), the State Board of Education shall initiate a rulemaking proceeding to adopt rules as may be necessary to allow students of any high school in this State who are 16 years of age or older to participate in registered apprenticeship programs. The rules shall include the waiver of all non-academic requirements mandated for graduation from a high school under this Code that would otherwise prohibit or prevent a student from participating in a registered apprenticeship program.

(Source: P.A. 100-992, eff. 8-20-18; 101-81, eff. 7-12-19.)