§ 813. State apprenticeship and training council. 1. The governor shall appoint a state apprenticeship and training council, composed of three representatives from employer organizations and three from employee organizations and one representative of the general public, who shall be the chairman. The council by majority vote may designate one of its members, other than the chairman, as vice-chairman to act in the absence or inability of the chairman. Each member shall be appointed for a term of three years. Each member shall hold office until his or her successor is appointed and has qualified, and any vacancy shall be filled by appointment for the unexpired portion of the term. The present members of the council shall continue to hold office until the expiration of their present terms or their earlier terminations by resignation or inability to act. The commissioner of education, the commissioner of labor and the commissioner of economic development shall ex officio be members of such council without vote. The members of the council shall not receive a salary or other compensation, but shall be reimbursed for transportation and other expenses actually and necessarily incurred in the performance of their duties under this article.

2. The council: (a) shall advise the commissioner of labor on apprentice training matters, including the matters of related and supplemental instruction; (b) may recommend suggested standards for apprenticeship agreements; (c) shall maintain a close and effective liaison with governmental and nongovernmental agencies which are concerned with skilled manpower development and problems; and (d) may recommend research projects on facts and trends relating to apprenticeship training and the supply of and needs for skilled manpower.