By Bob Katzen

The House 154-1, approved and sent to the Senate a bill that seeks to increase the state’s trades’ workforce by requiring the hiring of apprentices for all contracts awarded for public works projects over $10 million. One year after the bill becomes law, it would require projects to hire apprentices to work 5 percent of the total amount of hours worked, 10 percent in three years and 15 percent in four years.

Under the bill, public agencies must require, as a condition of awarding a construction contract over $10 million for any public works project, that all construction managers, general contractors and subcontractors maintain or participate in an apprentice program, approved by the Division of Apprentice Standards, for each apprenticeable occupation represented in their workforce.

“From the time I assumed the role of Chair of Labor and Workforce Development, I have heard a consistent message: ‘We need clear, reliable pathways to good-paying jobs that allow people to build careers, raise families, own homes and remain here in the commonwealth,'” said Rep. Paul McMurtry (D-Dedham). “This bill does exactly that by expanding access to high-quality apprenticeship programs that provide critical on-the-job training and a direct path into higher-paying careers. And when the commonwealth invests in major construction projects, it will also be investing in a well-trained, resilient and highly skilled workforce prepared to meet the demands of the future.”

“Investing in the trades’ workforce will bolster workforce development, ensuring that the commonwealth is able to meet the growing demands for new infrastructure projects,” said House Speaker Ron Mariano (D-Quincy). “Apprenticeships can also lead to the creation of more union jobs and help to replace highly skilled workers who are aging out of the workforce.”

“This bill was developed with union representatives and is an example of union representatives not having the political will to tell their members to give apprentices more time in order to gain experience faster,” said Rep. John Gaskey (R-Carver), the only member to vote against the measure. “Vocational school enrollment is at an all-time high and demand is increasing. Unions should be writing this into their contracts. The state should not be mandating labor force makeup.”

(A “Yes” vote is for the bill. A “No” vote is against it.)

Rep. Christine Barber Yes Rep. Mike Connolly Yes Rep. Paul Donato Yes Rep. Erika Uyterhoeven Yes