Resolution urges Congress to set veteran apprentice hiring goals on DOD construction projects

House Joint Resolution 20, heard March 13 by the Senate Labor and Commerce Committee, would urge the U.S. Congress to set hiring goals on Department of Defense construction projects that ensure at least 10% of the workforce are apprentices and that 10% of apprentice slots be reserved for veterans.

Representative David Nelson framed the resolution as a way to help veterans transition to civilian careers and to address workforce shortages in the skilled trades. Retired Army veteran David Gilbert, now an IBEW Local 1547 apprentice, described how apprenticeship gave him a renewed mission and practical career pathway. Manny Acuna, an Air Force veteran and wireman instructor, urged linking DoD contractors with registered apprenticeship programs and noted the approach uses existing funding and infrastructure to produce long-term workforce benefits.

Chris Diamond of the Western States Carpenters Union said apprenticeships deliver measurable employer returns and help build long-term pipelines; he argued that Alaska, with nearly 14% of adults veterans, should pursue goals that prioritize veterans in apprenticeship placement.

The committee set the resolution aside for further consideration.