“While we’re still reviewing the proposed DOL rule, ABC looks forward to providing comments illustrating why all Americans would benefit from the construction industry being included in the IRAP final rule,” said Bellaman. “Given the massive skills gap in the United States, the administration missed an opportunity to embrace an ‘all-of-the-above’ approach to workforce development. Established industry-recognized apprenticeship programs have been utilized by the merit shop construction industry for decades to provide hardworking Americans with not just a job, but a well-paid, in-demand construction career. And our commitment to recruiting, educating and upskilling the people who build where we live, learn, work and play remains unchanged.

“ABC has been a leader in craft training since founding the apprenticeship curriculum developer NCCER nearly 30 years ago, and ABC’s chapter network has established more than 800 education programs across the United States. In addition, ABC members invested $1.6 billion in workforce development opportunities for more than
980,000 course attendees to receive craft, leadership and safety education in 2018 alone. ABC and our 21,000 members will continue to support the American worker—and create more pathways for our workforce to achieve the American dream—by
expanding apprenticeship programs and workforce development opportunities.”