Mineola, NY - Presiding Officer Judy Jacobs (D-Woodbury) joined fellow Democratic lawmakers in the Nassau County Legislature in approving a new local law that requires contractors and subcontractors who work for Nassau County to create Apprenticeship Training Programs for their employees.

The law, which is designed to expand the pool of skilled workers and provide a means by which County residents could earn a decent living, was approved unanimously. The County Executive has 30 days in which to sign the measure, which he is expected to approve. It will take effect January 1, 2003.

Under the local law, contractors or subcontractors doing business with the County would need to have an apprenticeship agreement that has been registered and approved by the New York State Commissioner of Labor. The program applies to construction contracts with a value in excess of $500,000 and exempts subcontractors who would receive less than $100,000.

"This is a common sense law that builds on the partnership between skilled craft workers and government and encourages those interested in the trades to follow that path," said Legislator Jacobs. "It will provide the training necessary to ensure that the County has a pool of workers who are skilled in their trade and guarantees them a livable wage. It's a win-win situation."

According to State Commissioner of Labor standards for apprenticeship training developed in 1961, the program must be an organized, written plan embodying the terms and conditions of employment, training and supervision of one or more apprentices in an apprenticable occupation; and contain a progressively increasing schedule of wages which must be paid to the apprentice consistent with the skill required and shall not be less than the minimum wage. In addition the program must contain the equal opportunity pledge and an affirmative action plan. Participants must be at least 16 years of age.

John M. Kennedy, President of the Building & Construction Trades Council of Nassau and Suffolk Counties, which represents 60,000 construction workers, said the Apprenticeship Training Program is vitally important for young men and women who choose to take a path other than college.

"Within the next five years, we will need another 1.6 million trained people to work in construction. An apprenticeship training program is another way to secure an education and employment that provides an affordable standard of living," said Mr. Kennedy. "A registered New York State Apprenticeship Training Program ensures a safe, clean and healthy workplace. For the County and the taxpayers it guarantees someone on the job will be well-trained."

Legislator Jacobs said the County will require any contractor, prior to entering into a contract, to provide evidence that a registered apprenticeship agreement exists for the type and scope of work to be performed. Enforcement will be through the County Department of Public Works. The law will apply to construction contracts advertised for bids on or after the effective date.

"I am very pleased this legislation was brought to fruition and that it received bi-partisan support," said Legislator Jacobs. "Hopefully, contracting firms will move expeditiously toward filing the appropriate papers to register their programs. We look forward to partnering with them in the future."