A Department of Labor rule issued yesterday that will help expand apprenticeships in the U.S. leaves out programs that seek to train apprentices to perform construction work. Those groups instead can continue to participate in a separate Registered Apprenticeship Program. The rule establishes a system for advancing the development of Industry-Recognized Apprenticeship Programs (IRAPs), a centerpiece of President Donald Trump’s workplace policy agenda. It will take effect May 11. The idea of exempting the construction industry from IRAPs has drawn fire from major contractor groups like the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) and Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC). On the other hand, building trade unions like North America’s Building Trades Unions (NABTU) have praised the plan.
https://www.constructiondive.com/news/labor-department-apprenticeship-rule-exempts-construction-programs/573866/