The need for open and transparent apprenticeship programs in Washington State
Key Findings
- HB 1050 will drive up the cost of public works projects.
- Restricting public contracts to bidders that have 15% of their workforce as apprenticeships, is anti-competitive and discriminatory against private contractors.
- Expansion of restrictive oversight into new business sectors is unnecessary and will restrict job opportunities.
Introduction
The Washington State Apprenticeship Council (WSATC), which is part of the Department of Labor and Industries (L&I), oversees state-run apprenticeship programs for a specific set of industries in Washington State.
For many trade industries in Washington, state run apprenticeship programs are the gateway for workers seeking skilled licensing and better job opportunities.
Recent legislation, specifically HB 1050, passed by the Washington State Legislature will restrict which companies are allowed to bid on public contracts, limiting the successful bidding contractors to mostly labor unions and making it difficult for open shop, non-union contractors to compete.
Read the full legislative memo here.
