TRENTON – Legislation sponsored by Senate Labor Committee Chair Fred Madden, Senator Joseph Lagana, Senator Joseph F. Vitale and Senator Dawn Addiego that would require workers subject to “The Public Works Contractor Registration Act” to be enrolled in or have completed a federally registered apprenticeship program passed the Senate Labor Committee yesterday.
“Apprenticeship programs are valuable to ensuring those contracted to work have the required knowledge and skills to efficiently and safely complete the jobs taken on,” said Senator Madden (D-Camden/Gloucester). “Whatever steps that can be taken to create confidence in the quality of work should be taken and this legislation accomplishes that.”
The bill, S-3071, would also require a contractor registering with the Department of Labor and Workforce Development under the Act to certify that the individuals working for them are compliant with this requirement.
“Workers that possess the required skills to perform contracted work with the Department of Labor and Workforce Development should have a federally registered apprenticeship under their belt,” said Senator Lagana (D-Bergen/Passaic). “This guarantees they have the skill-level and training required to effectively take on work.”
“Anyone working a contracted job with tax dollars dispensed should have the experience of a federally registered apprenticeship on their resume,” said Senator Joseph F. Vitale (D-Middlesex). “It is our responsibility to tax payers to employ the best to maintain our communities.”
The bill passed committee with a vote of 5-0, and next moves to the full Senate for further consideration.