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Carpenters Union Supports DOL Decision Rescinding Low-Quality Apprenticeship Programs

The United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America (UBC) supports the U.S. Department of Labor’s recent repeal of the Trump-era rule on Industry- Recognized Apprenticeship Programs (IRAPS).


By rescinding the IRAP program, the DOL will refocus on the proven registered apprenticeship model and direct department resources toward registered apprenticeships to expand access to good-paying jobs and create reliable pathways to the middle class. 


“DOL-recognized apprenticeship programs in the building trades are one of our country’s most successful paths into fulfilling middle-class careers. And the success of established apprenticeship programs is due in no small part to the high curriculum standards, required safety training, and strict compliance with worker protections and anti-discrimination policies,” said Douglas J. McCarron, General President of the UBC.


“Industry-recognized apprenticeship programs would have eroded the success of American apprenticeships by lowering the quality of apprenticeship. We commend Secretary Walsh and the Department of Labor for rescinding the IRAP rule and upholding the high DOL-standards that ensure American apprenticeships offer the best training in the world and a clear path to the middle class,” McCarron added.


As part of its final rule, the DOL will work with previously recognized SREs and IRAPs to explore opportunities to become program sponsors or intermediaries in the Registered Apprenticeship system and will provide IRAP apprentices with resources to connect them with Registered Apprenticeship training opportunities.


Read the official DOL release, here.