On Jan. 20, ABC submitted comments in response to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration proposed rule which seeks to update the equal opportunity regulations that implement the National Apprenticeship Act of 1937 by amending 29 CFR Part 30. Current regulations prohibit discrimination in registered apprenticeship programs on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, and sex. The proposed rule updates the equal opportunity standards to include age (40 or older), genetic information, sexual orientation and disability among the protected base that cannot be discriminated against. The proposal also requires sponsors to take affirmative action to provide equal opportunity in the registered apprenticeship programs.

In the comments, ABC stated they supported the equal employment and affirmative action goals of the existing and proposed updates to those rules. However, ABC expressed concern over the potential new burdens this proposal could impose on program sponsors and asked for clarification on a number of requirements.

To read ABC’s comments click here.