High-profile Port projects now require apprentices

Port of Olympia projects costing more than $1 million will now require the use of apprentices.

The Port commission approved a resolution creating requirements for the utilization of apprentices as part of their amended port policy during a meeting held on Monday, December 12.

According to the new policy, public work projects under the Port would require that apprentices perform no less than 15% of reported labor hours. If a project were awarded a bid of less than 1 million dollars, the project would still require apprentices if the Port estimated the project to cost more than a million.           

An apprentice is defined as someone enrolled in an apprenticeship training program recognized by the Washington State Apprenticeship and Training Council.

The new rule aligns with the Revised Code of Washington, which codified the need for apprenticeship training programs.

“Apprenticeship training programs are particularly effective in providing training and experience to individuals seeking to enter or advance in the workforce,” the provision reads.

“By providing for apprenticeship utilization on public works projects, the state government can create opportunities for training and experience that will help assure that a trained workforce will be available.”