ARTBA Meets with White House on National Apprenticeship Program

What happened: ARTBA member Nick DiBartolo, vice president at Rogers Group Inc., and Prianka Sharma, ARTBA vice president and counsel for regulatory affairs, met July 16 with the White House Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) to discuss the Department of Labor (DOL)’s final rule on the National Apprenticeship Program. John Ladd, administrator of DOL’s Office of Apprenticeship, Employment and Training Administration, participated.

DiBartolo emphasized the need for employer flexibility, requesting concise recordkeeping requirements and removal of mandates that could deter participation. Sharma highlighted the critical need for skilled labor in transportation construction and the role of apprenticeships in meeting employment needs.

Why it matters: DOL estimates that 33 percent of all apprentices are in the construction industry, which is currently experiencing a worker shortage. ARTBA previously commented on the DOL’s proposed rule, highlighting that it creates significant new administrative burdens and costs for employers and program sponsors. ARTBA is concerned that these burdens will discourage employer participation or result in only minimal compliance with state requirements.

What’s next: Once OIRA concludes its review, DOL will publish the final rule in the Federal Register. No timeline has been provided. ARTBA’s Prianka Sharma is the contact.