Bill to expand youth skills training to construction trades draws DLI opposition and labor concerns

Representative Ben Baeckberg introduced House File 2,238 to authorize youth skills training (YST) partnerships that would let 16‑ and 17‑year‑old students work for construction companies at a central location such as an office or training facility. Sponsor and supporters said the bill would expose students to construction‑industry careers—project management, drafting, sales and marketing—without placing minors at hazardous job sites.

Kate Perusek, deputy commissioner at the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI), testified in opposition. She said current YST approvals focus on five industry groups—advanced manufacturing, agriculture, automotive, health care and information technology—and that the statute and federal and state child labor rules limit work in occupations declared particularly hazardous. Perusek cautioned that YST has been able to ease some child‑labor restrictions only after heavy vetting and equipment‑specific approvals; she recommended the author consider a Minnesota Department of Education‑approved work‑based learning program as an alternative for construction pathways.

Local business and workforce advocates urged the measure. Tim Zunker of the Shakopee Chamber said Scott County faces demographic declines in younger cohorts and argued the bill would create “valuable experience in a safe, controlled environment.” Joel Hansen of Associated Builders and Contractors said the construction industry faces large workforce shortfalls nationally and supported exposing students to careers through YST. Brian Kreiser of Greystone Construction and Sean Larson of All Star Construction described their personal paths into construction and supported additional pathways. Spencer Grant of the nonprofit Uncommon Construction said his program previously used individualized child‑labor exemptions (LI form referenced in testimony) and that broader agency exemptions would help replicate the model.

Representative David Pinto (committee chair) and others also had questions about a provision that would exempt students from “any conflicting child labor laws”; Representative Pinto and other members said that language was broad and raised concerns. Building trades representatives were reported (by members) to oppose the bill; DLI noted its safety review process and the need for equipment‑level vetting for hazardous occupations.

Representative Baeckberg said he is open to ongoing discussions and to refine language with DLI and labor stakeholders. The committee laid the bill over for further consideration.