By Representative Ryan of Boston, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2165) of Daniel J. Ryan and others relative to apprenticeship programs. Labor and Workforce Development.
This bill requires contractors bidding on public construction projects valued over $1 million to maintain or participate in state-approved apprentice training programs for each trade they use. It mandates that contractors register all apprentices with the Division of Apprentice Standards and follow prescribed apprentice-to-journeyman ratios for each trade. Contractors who do not meet these requirements will not be considered "responsible and eligible bidders" for such projects. The law applies to all general contractors, subcontractors, and construction managers bidding on public works projects funded by state or local government entities.
This bill requires construction contractors and subcontractors working on specific public projects to use approved apprenticeship programs. Within 30 days of winning a contract, they must join or maintain a state or U.S. Department of Labor-approved program and employ registered apprentices throughout the project. By January 1, 2025 (for most contracts), approved programs must have graduated at least three apprentices to journey worker status in the past five years. Contractors must submit written compliance proof and program details to the attorney general within 45 days of contract award. It affects all trade contractors on eligible construction, reconstruction, maintenance, or repair projects under specified state laws.
This bill requires contractors working on Massachusetts construction projects exceeding $1 million to gradually increase the proportion of work performed by apprentices in approved training programs. Starting six months after the bill's passage, 5% of the total hourly work must be done by apprentices, rising to 10% after one year and 15% after two years. It applies to all employees directly on-site who receive hourly wages and are subject to prevailing wage laws. The requirement covers projects where contractors or subcontractors are directly employing workers, aiming to expand apprenticeship opportunities within the construction industry.
This bill amends Massachusetts' prevailing wage law to require that approved apprenticeship and training programs pay the same prevailing wages as other covered entities, such as pension and health funds. It specifically adds these programs to the list of initiatives subject to prevailing wage requirements under Chapter 149 of the General Laws. The change applies to all state-approved apprenticeship programs that meet standards outlined in Chapter 23, ensuring they comply with existing wage rules for public works projects. This policy update extends current wage protections to apprenticeship participants without creating new programs.
By Mr. Feeney, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2148) of Paul R. Feeney and Marcus S. Vaughn for legislation to utilize apprenticeship programs for career paths in construction. State Administration and Regulatory Oversight.
By Representative Diggs of Barnstable, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 4067) of Kip A. Diggs relative to expanding and modernizing apprenticeships. Labor and Workforce Development.
This bill (H 2085) aims to help apprentices complete their training programs by creating pathways to finish their required hours and certifications. It directly affects apprentices in Massachusetts who are working toward skilled trades careers and the employers who sponsor their training. The key mechanism involves establishing structured opportunities for apprentices to meet training requirements without disruption. The goal is to strengthen the state's skilled workforce by ensuring more apprentices successfully complete their programs and enter the labor market.
This bill (H 2121) helps apprentices complete their training programs by addressing barriers that prevent them from finishing. It directly affects apprentices seeking skilled trades careers and employers needing qualified workers in Massachusetts. Key provisions include streamlining training pathways and ensuring support systems to help apprentices finish their programs on time. The goal is to strengthen the state's skilled workforce by making apprenticeship completion more accessible and reliable.
HD 2902 requires contractors and subcontractors working on construction projects over $1 million to have apprentices perform a growing percentage of labor hours directly on-site. Starting six months after the law takes effect, 5% of total hourly work must be done by apprentices; this increases to 10% after one year and 15% after two years. The bill applies to all trades subject to prevailing wage requirements and mandates that apprentices must be enrolled in state-approved training programs. This policy directly affects construction companies bidding on large projects in Massachusetts, aiming to expand apprenticeship participation in the workforce.
