Senate passes apprenticeship policy for school district construction

Sells says bill boosts state's training programs

April 6, 2007

OLYMPIA – The state Senate today (April 6) approved a measure aimed at increasing the use of apprentices for school district building projects.

Co-sponsored by state Rep. Mike Sells, D-Everett, the legislation "is a very effective method for introducing more of our students to apprenticeship training.

"We are investing public dollars in vital public school projects," said Sells, "and we should certainly encourage more young men and women to establish their careers in the building trades."

Terms of House Bill 1898 direct that school building contracts going out for bid on or after January 2008, which cost $3 million or more, must require that at least 10 percent of the construction hours be done by men and women who are enrolled in apprenticeship training programs.

Contracts after January 2009 for projects that cost $2 million or more will have to use at least 12 percent apprentice labor.

And contracts after January 2010 for projects that cost $1 million or more will have to use at least 15 percent apprentice labor.

Sells pointed out that this new state policy "would also bring students into a greater involvement with their community.

"This legislation is one more strategy for keeping our best, brightest and most hard-working young people at home in our communities. If we make sure there are more of these good-paying jobs in a young person's hometown, there is a better chance he or she won't have to move away to support themselves and their new families."

He added that the state is currently facing a shortage of skilled workers in the building trades.

"We have to do a much better job of beefing up this work force," he said.

Right now here in Washington, state agencies (but not school districts) that are pursuing building projects must use apprentices who are enrolled in approved apprenticeship programs. This requirement became state law in legislation that Sells also backed two years ago.

This year's measure passed the Senate, 34-14, and the House, 65-33.

Now the bill comes back to the House for concurrence with Senate amendments.

For broadcast-quality audio on this issue, or to arrange TV or radio interviews, contact Dan Frizzell, House Democratic Caucus broadcast coordinator, at frizzell.dan@leg.wa.gov or (360) 786-7208.

Contact Clint Robbins, House Democratic Caucus communications specialist, at robbins.clint@leg.wa.gov or (360) 786-7323.