Boston – State Representative Steven S. Howitt (R-Seekonk) recently supported legislation designed to expand and strengthen the use of apprenticeship programs on large public works projects in Massachusetts.
House Bill 4994, An Act relative to preparing apprentices in the Commonwealth, would make contract eligibility for public works projects totaling $10 million or more contingent upon construction managers, general contractors, and subcontractors agreeing to maintain or participate in state-approved apprenticeship programs for all “apprenticeable” occupations. The bill was given initial approval by the House of Representatives when it was engrossed on a vote of 154-1 on January 28.
Representative Howitt noted that House Bill 4994 clarifies apprenticeship program standards and oversight requirements, including requiring contractors to register apprentices, comply with apprentice-to-journeyperson ratios, and meet certain reporting requirements. The bill provides for limited, trade-specific exemptions only when a good-faith solicitation yields no qualified bidder for the project.
House Bill 4994 calls for increasing required apprentice work hours on covered projects by initially setting the minimum percentage of apprentices working on a project at 5%. This minimum threshold would rise to 10% after three years and to 15% after four years. Non-exempt contractors that fail to comply with these requirements will be deemed ineligible bidders.
According to Representative Howitt, House Bill 4994 would also establish a special commission on apprenticeships comprised of senior state officials, labor and industry representatives, and workforce experts to study apprenticeship capacity, access, funding, education alignment, and regulatory needs. The commission will be required to file a report containing its findings and recommendations for legislation by January 1, 2027.
House Bill 4994 now moves to the Senate for its consideration.
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