Today, the U.S. Department of Labor released its rule on Industry Recognized Apprenticeship Programs which exempts and preserves the construction industry’s Registered Apprenticeship programs. In its rule, the Department of Labor effectively acknowledges the value of the privately funded and run apprenticeship programs. The Department’s rule allows the construction industry to continue to train the future construction workforce to grow our State’s economy and ensure our safety.
In Minnesota there are more than 50 construction Registered Apprenticeship programs with over 10,000 Registered Apprentices training to be our State’s future plumbers, electricians, iron workers, crane operators, laborers, carpenters and other highly skilled trade works.
“We appreciate the Department of Labor’s support of the construction industry’s Registered Apprenticeship Model,” said Jessica Looman, Executive Director of the Minnesota Building and Construction Trades Council. “Registered Apprenticeship means that we will have the have the safest roads and bridges, schools, and utilities because we have the best trained workers with the highest level of skill.”
For more information on the Department of Labor’s Final Rule click here.