In an attempt to increase the pool of skilled workers in Nassau County, Legislator Richard J. Nicolello (R-New Hyde Park) has co-sponsored legislation designed at requiring apprenticeship programs at worksites. This local law would apply to all construction contracts over $250,000. Prior for work to be started on a jobsite, a contractor or subcontractor (given a subcontract over $50,000) must have an established apprenticeship plan related to the work involved. All apprentice programs must be registered and approved with the New York State Commissioner of Labor. "This law will allow young people interested in the field of construction and contracting to experience life on the job. It will give them the opportunity to decide if this is something they would like to pursue in the future," said Legislator Nicolello about the bill.

The Nassau County Department of Public Works will oversee the programs and will establish the procedures to regulate the program. Any contractor that does work on a structure with a value of over $250,000 will be required to have apprentices on site working with the skilled laborers. These worksites will allow young people to gain knowledge by assisting seasoned contractors and subcontractors and gain valuable experience that previously would not have been available. "This legislation will allow a large number of young people to enter the workforce with experience that they could not gain anywhere else. This will give young people the means to make a living in Nassau County and contribute back to the local economy," added Legislator Nicolello.