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Businesses and unions back bill creating state apprenticeship office; Department of Labor seeks more review
Summary
House Bill 1036 would create a state Office of Apprenticeship in the Department of Labor and Human Rights to help employers create federally recognized apprenticeship programs; business and union representatives supported the bill at committee testimony.
House Bill 1036, proposing a state Office of Apprenticeship jointly staffed with the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Apprenticeship functions, drew broad support from business groups and building‑trade representatives at a hearing before the House Industry, Business and Labor Committee.
Senator Mike Wabam, appearing as vice chairman of the interim Workforce Development Committee, said the bill grew from a study group that concluded North Dakota needs more apprenticeship programs and greater state capacity to create and register federally recognized apprenticeships. The measure would place a joint apprenticeship office in the Department of Labor and Human Rights (DOLHR), with staff who would learn from the current federal officeholder — identified in testimony as Barry Dutton — so the state can expand program approvals when demand increases.
Supporters told the committee the change would make it easier for employers to create…
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