Broad Support for Apprentice Hiring Reforms

Legislation reforming the state’s archaic apprentice hiring laws drew broad support at a Feb. 27 legislative hearing.

HB 6786 overhauls the current hiring ratio of three journeymen for every apprentice and is designed to expand career opportunities in the skilled trades.

Current state law mandates a 1:1 jobsite ratio, requiring one journeyperson or contractor on-site for every apprentice across the majority of registered apprenticeship trades. 

However, electrical, plumbing, heating and cooling, piping and sheet metal occupations are held to a 3:1 ratio, severely limiting their ability to expand the workforce, and in turn support the state’s housing, infrastructure, and electric grid improvement needs. 

Introduced by Rep. Jill Barry (D-Glastonbury) and sponsored by a bipartisan group of legislators, the bill received overwhelming support from businesses, apprentices and aspiring apprentices, trades workers, parents, and construction advocacy groups.

Organizations such as CBIA, the Homebuilders and Remodelers Association of Connecticut, the Independent Electrical Contractors of New England, the Connecticut Heating and Cooling Contractors Association, and the Associated Builders and Contractors of Connecticut testified in support of the bill.

‘Unnecessary Bottleneck’

Supporters said the bill is critical for addressing the labor shortage in the skilled trades and resolving issues created by an aging workforce and outdated mandates.

“The current apprenticeship ratio restrictions are a major barrier to workforce entry,” Home Builders and Remodelers Association of Connecticut president Jim Perras told the legislature’s Commerce Committee.

“Trade school graduates are struggling to find apprenticeship opportunities due to the limitations placed on the number of apprentices each licensee can hire.

“A 1:1 apprentice-to-licensee ratio aligns with the needs of the industry and removes this unnecessary bottleneck, allowing more young professionals to enter the workforce and receive proper training.”

“Current apprenticeship ratio restrictions are a major barrier to workforce entry.”

HBRA CT’s Jim Perras

Several apprentices and skilled workers also shared first-hand experiences with barriers created by existing law, citing cases where aspiring apprentices lose opportunities and companies turn down projects due to a lack of personnel.

In some cases, these young aspiring apprentices move to other states with more favorable ratios, or look to enter a different industry.

“Everyone can agree we need more housing, infrastructure improvements, and enhancements to our grid system,” CBIA’s Paul Amarone told the committee.

“By adjusting the hiring ratio we are opening the door for thousands of more aspiring apprentices to enter the workforce and contribute to the long-term economic success of our state.”

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For more information, contact CBIA’s Paul Amarone (860.244.1978).