Commerce Committee hears push to change skilled‑trades hiring ratio to 1‑to‑1

Hartford — Lawmakers heard hours of testimony Feb. 27 on a proposed law, HB 6,786, that would change Connecticut’s current hiring restriction for several licensed trades from a three‑journeyman‑to‑one‑apprentice rule to a one‑to‑one hiring ratio.

Supporters told the Commerce Committee the measure would unblock a persistent workforce bottleneck, speeding apprenticeship placements and helping meet demand for construction, energy and housing projects. Representative Tim Acker, a bill proponent, told the panel that the change "will give someone the opportunity to start a great career," and several trade and business groups said they have qualified applicants who can’t be hired because companies are capped at the existing ratio.

The bill’s proponents included Independent Electrical Contractors of New England, which executive director Ally French described as repeatedly hearing from contractors who “can almost instantly hire more apprentices by adjusting the ratio.” Representative Jill Berry, who introduced the measure, said it would support "affordable…