Electrical Contractors Say Labor Department Rule Rightly Recognizes Unique Role Of The Construction Industry In Creating New Apprenticeship Model

Bethesda, MD /PRNewswire/ - The National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) applauds today's final rule by U.S. Department of Labor for recognizing the construction industry's longstanding expertise in the creation and execution of apprenticeships. The new rule, which will govern the creation of Industry-Recognized Apprenticeship Programs (IRAPs), will ensure the construction industry may not participate in IRAPs.

"Given the high concentration of time-tested registered apprenticeship programs in the construction industry, there is no need to create a parallel program that would detract from our nearly 80 years of experience as the industry's gold standard," NECA Chief Executive Officer David Long said. "We are pleased that the Trump administration recognized the success of our established model. Thanks to our efforts to expand and improve our programs, millions of hardworking Americans have built wonderful careers empowering lives and communities across America."

NECA has worked tirelessly to ensure that any proposed changes from the Department of Labor would not degrade the important role the construction industry has staked out in fostering apprenticeships. The association offered extensive comments in response to the original proposed rule and encouraged its 4,000 member contractors and 118 chapters to do the same so that federal regulators would understand the full extent of the impact of the proposed rule-making.

"While we believe it is important to extend the apprenticeship model to other industries, it is paramount that the Administration ensure the highest levels of oversight and transparency for IRAPs," Long said. "We are pleased to continue to offer our vast expertise to policymakers and stakeholders on Capitol Hill and in the White House to ensure other industries are able to learn and benefit from our experience."

About The National Electrical Contractors Association
NECA is the voice of the $171 billion electrical construction industry that brings power, light and communication technology to buildings and communities across the United States. NECA's national office in Bethesda, Md., and 118 local chapters advance the industry through advocacy, education, research and standards development. Go to www.necanet.org for more information.