Opportunities for Registered Apprenticeship in Construction

Federal investments such as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) and the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) have authorized more than $1.6 trillion in funding for construction projects nationally. Increasing demand for affordable housing in many metropolitan areas around the country are also drivers of demand for construction.

The need for Registered Apprenticeship (RA) Programs in construction is critical, and apprentices can expect a welcoming job market with competitive wages. Recent labor shortages in skilled construction trades are increasing the demand for new construction workers with skills in trades such as carpentry, electrical work, welding, HVAC installation, and plumbing. These shortages are driven in part by an ageing workforce and exacerbated by increased demand for construction workers. Labor shortages are also encouraging employers to be more willing to offer higher wages.[1]

Did you know?

• There are over 300,000 construction apprentices in the country. This number has risen around 20% since 2020.
• One in four construction apprentices are training to become electricians. Other top trades include apprentices in carpentry and plumbing.
• There is a big push nationwide to get more women into construction jobs, and apprenticeship is a great way to do that. While apprentices who identify as female make up 14% of all apprentices, only 5% of construction apprentices identify as female.[2]

For those considering sponsoring a registered apprenticeship in construction, the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC), the Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration (ETA) have created competency models for Commercial & Industrial Construction, Heavy Highway Civil Construction, and Residential Construction at the Competency Model Clearinghouse website.

• Last Updated:
• Created:
• Posted by: Damon Jones
• Posted in: Apprenticeship Building America