(2) Nothing in ORS 660.002 to 660.210 is intended to supersede the civil service or merit systems applicable to state agencies and political subdivisions. Employees of state agencies and political subdivisions may be recognized and registered as apprentices, and may serve on apprenticeship committees when approved by the State Apprenticeship and Training Council in conformity with ORS 660.002 to 660.210. If an individual apprentice who is employed by a state agency or political subdivision wishes to participate in an apprenticeship and training program, the council may approve program standards that set forth a progressive wage within the salary structure range for journeyworker, employed by the state agency or political subdivision. [1957 c.270 §10(1); 1963 c.151 §3; 1967 c.6 §3; 1977 c.490 §1; 1981 c.764 §1; 2011 c.140 §1]