KINGSTON – Local labor leaders, apprentices, and elected officials joined Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger in Kingston on Wednesday as she signed local law number 1o, which the legislature passed in May. The law strengthens the requirements for construction apprenticeships in county government projects to promote skills development and expand opportunities for jobs locally.
Under the provisions of the new law, companies that bid on county government construction projects valued above $750,000 must have a state-accredited apprenticeship program with a proven graduation rate above 30 percent consistently for the last five years.
“By setting higher graduation requirements in this law, we’re ensuring that our workers have the hands-on training, skills and job opportunities that they deserve,” said Metzger. “Thank you to my colleagues in the county Legislature, and especially Legislator Kenneth J. Ronk, Jr. and Legislator Laura Petit for sponsoring this legislation. And, thank you to the members of labor and county legislators who joined us for the signing.”
Daniel Ortega of the International Union of Engineers Local 825 Labor-Employer Cooperative said the law will help boost local employment, improve safety and the quality of work on projects, and make the bidding process more competitive.
“This will ensure government agencies have access to a larger pool of skilled local contractors, and that young people receive proper training and have access to good-paying jobs locally,” said Ortega.
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