The Department of Labor (DOL) issued a proposed rule revising the equal employment opportunity regulatory framework for the National Apprenticeship Act on Nov. 6. 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. It requires sponsors to take affirmative action to provide equal opportunity in the registered apprenticeship programs.

Written comments on the proposed rule are due January 5, 2016. ABC is currently in the process of reviewing the proposal and would welcome any feedback on how it will impact chapter and member’s registered apprenticeship programs. Please contact Lauren Williams, at 202-595-1815 or at [email protected] with any questions or feedback on the proposal.

For more information on the proposal, please visit http://www.doleta.gov/oa/eeo/.