A readily available skilled workforce is critical to the construction industry and to the nation as well. Quality craftsmen and women supplied through apprenticeship and training programs are crucial to jobsite safety as well as the safety and reliability of our nation’s infrastructure, commercial buildings and our homes. A national study conducted by the Building & Construction Trades Department from data gathered from Apprentice Programs regulated by the U.S. Department of Labor reveals that the average Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) apprenticeship program registers relatively few apprentices, produces more cancellations than graduations, enrolls only a small portion of all female and minority apprentices and produces training in a narrow range of crafts. In fact the study showed that only 6% of the ABC programs graduated half of their apprentices.

By contrast, union apprenticeship programs enroll and graduate the substantial majority of all apprentices. In addition, union apprenticeship programs also enroll and graduate the substantial majority of female and minority apprentices.

• www.newsinfo.iu.edu/news/page/normal/1525.html
• October 2003 ABC Flawed and Failed Inititives