Brief Description: Modifying public works apprenticeship utilization requirements.

Sponsors: Senate Committee on Transportation (originally sponsored by Senators Kohl-Welles, Haugen, Brown and Keiser; by request of Department of Transportation).

Senate Committee on Labor, Commerce, Research & Development
Senate Committee on Transportation
House Committee on Commerce & Labor

Background: Executive Order 00-01 required that apprentices in programs approved by the Apprenticeship and Training Council make up at least 10 percent of the total labor hours on public works projects of more than $2 million awarded after July 1, 2000. Over time, the percentage increased and the threshold amount decreased. In 2005, the Executive Order was codified and apprentices were required to account for 15 percent of the total labor hours on projects of more than $1 million.

Apprenticeship utilization percentages apply to State agencies under the authority of the Governor. The Department of Transportation (DOT), four-year institutions of higher education, and agencies headed by a separately elected public official are exempt for this requirement. Agency directors may adjust the apprenticeship utilization percentage, with prior review by the Governor, under certain conditions, such as a shortage of apprentices in a specific geographic area. The Department of General Administration and the Department of Labor and Industries are directed to provide information and technical assistance to affected agencies.

Summary: Effective July 1, 2007, DOT is no longer exempt from apprenticeship use requirements. DOT's required percentage use of apprenticeship labor hours is phased in over three years. Beginning July 1, 2007, DOT is required to use 10 percent apprenticeships on projects over $5 million; 12 percent on projects over $3 million beginning July 1, 2008; and 15 percent on projects over $2 million beginning July 1, 2009.

The Secretary of DOT is required to adjust the apprenticeship utilization percentage requirement if there is a demonstrated lack of apprentices in a specific geographic area, or a disproportionately high ratio of material costs to labor hours. The Secretary must also establish and meet regularly with an advisory committee to develop the process to be used to adjust such requirements and discuss other implementation issues. The committee is to have state-wide representation, with equal numbers of representatives of contractors and labor, and at least one representative of a contractor with less than 35 employees. A report from the advisory committee on the impact of apprenticeship requirements on, and the availability of apprentices for, transportation projects statewide is due to the legislature by January 1, 2008.

The Washington State Apprenticeship Training Council is directed to conduct training and outreach work with returning veterans to assist with the transition from military service to the construction industry.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate      30   11
House      71   27

Effective:   June 7, 2006