Committee approves youth apprenticeship bill with amendments after building-trades concerns

Senate Bill 1,831, which would require the commissioner of labor and workforce development to establish a youth apprenticeship program for students aged 16–21, was released from the Senate Labor Committee after testimony and amendment. The program in the bill envisions career-connected learning, paid on-the-job training combined with dual enrollment at community colleges, and pre-apprenticeship pipelines into registered programs in high-demand sectors such as health care, IT, advanced manufacturing and green jobs.

Representatives of the Building and Construction Trades Council testified in favor of expanding opportunities but warned that public subsidies and tax credits could create a parallel system that undermines existing union-registered apprenticeship programs. The trades asked for language to prioritize partnerships with registered apprenticeship partners and to include safeguards to prevent duplication and ensure funding strengthens proven systems. The committee released the bill as amended, and sponsors indicated they will continue consultation with trades and education partners.