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House committee weighs apprenticeship requirements for school construction; rural districts warn of risks
Summary
House Bill 3881 would extend apprenticeship utilization requirements to certain school construction projects receiving state matching grants. Supporters from organized labor said the change would grow the trades pipeline; school officials and contractors warned it could raise costs and reduce local bidders in rural districts.
SALEM, Ore. — The House Committee on Rules on May 14 heard competing testimony on House Bill 3881, which would apply apprenticeship-utilization requirements to school districts that apply for school capital improvement matching grants and to public charter schools' qualifying public improvement projects.
Under the amendments described to the committee, the bill would apply apprenticeship goals to qualifying school construction solicitations entered into after Jan. 1, 2026. Proponents and labor witnesses told the committee the measure would create career pathways and help ensure a skilled workforce for upcoming construction demand.
"Registered apprenticeship programs over the last decade have expanded 62 percent," said Chris Hewitt of the Oregon Laborers, adding that apprenticeship participation provides a livable wage on day one and on-the-job training. Janney Turner, an apprenticeship coordinator and graduate of a laborers' apprenticeship program,…
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