A Victory for Apprenticeships in Construction

If you’ve ever wondered who’s building the next bridge, school, or hospital in your community, the answer is clear: skilled workers. However, with the construction industry facing a critical workforce shortage, training the next generation of craft professionals has never been more urgent. That’s why the recent decision by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) to withdraw its proposed overhaul of government-registered apprenticeship programs (GRAPs) is a victory for our industry. 

ABC Heart of America works with contractors across Missouri and Kansas who are deeply committed to workforce development. While the current apprenticeship system isn’t perfect, the proposed rule would have done more harm than good, making it harder—not easier—to train the skilled workers our industry and communities depend on. 

Why the DOL’s Proposal Missed the Mark 

The DOL’s proposed changes to GRAPs would have created significant challenges for employers, apprentices, and state governments. Among the most concerning issues were: 

• Restricting Flexibility: The rule would have replaced competency-based GRAPs, which allow apprentices to progress based on skill mastery, with rigid time-based models. This one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work for modern construction training needs. 

• Removing State Authority: The proposal sought to strip state governments of the ability to approve apprenticeship programs for new occupations, slowing the pace of innovation. 

• Skyrocketing Costs: According to the DOL’s own analysis, the rule would have added more than $1.3 billion in compliance costs over the next 10 years—an estimate ABC believes significantly underestimated the actual burden. 

Feedback from ABC members was overwhelmingly critical. “94% of ABC’s GRAP stakeholders stated the proposal would increase the costs of participating in or sponsoring a GRAP, and 90% said they’d be less likely to start their own program as a result,” said Ben Brubeck, ABC’s vice president of regulatory, labor, and state affairs. 

The rule also failed to address existing challenges in the GRAP system. “Efforts by unions and their state government allies to suppress new GRAP approvals and restrict taxpayer-funded contracts to union-affiliated programs remain a significant barrier to growth,” Brubeck added. 

What This Means for Missouri and Kansas 

For Missouri and Kansas, withdrawing this rule is more than just a win for contractors—it safeguards against deeper workforce shortages and economic strain. Like much of the country, our region is already facing significant challenges in finding enough skilled labor to meet the growing demands of the construction industry. This shortage doesn’t just delay projects; it impacts local economies, public infrastructure, and private development. 

If the DOL’s proposed changes had gone into effect, the added regulatory burdens would have discouraged the creation of new apprenticeship programs and strained existing ones. This could have resulted in fewer workers entering the skilled trades, compounding the current labor deficit. Missouri and Kansas, which rely heavily on construction to drive economic growth and maintain critical infrastructure, would have been hit particularly hard. 

The ripple effects of a reduced apprenticeship pipeline go beyond delayed projects. Fewer trained workers mean higher labor costs, which can increase bids on public and private construction projects. For taxpayers, that means paying more for infrastructure improvements like roads, schools, and hospitals. For businesses, it could mean stalled expansion plans or higher operating costs. 

In short, this rule would have put our region at a disadvantage. By keeping apprenticeship programs flexible and accessible, we’re not just protecting the workforce—we’re ensuring Missouri and Kansas can continue to grow and compete economically. This decision by the DOL ensures we can focus on building a stronger future for our industry and the communities we serve. 

Building a Better System 

ABC’s focus remains on developing innovative, effective training programs that meet the needs of employers and apprentices alike. “ABC and its chapters are educating craft, safety, and management professionals in construction using innovative and flexible learning models like just-in-time task training, competency-based progression, and work-based learning,” said John Mielke, ABC’s senior director of apprenticeship. 

With more than 450 government-registered programs in over 20 occupations, ABC chapters across the country are leading the charge in preparing the workforce of tomorrow. Here in Missouri and Kansas, we’re proud to support contractors driving that mission forward daily. 

The DOL’s decision to withdraw this rule allows us to focus on real improvements to the GRAP system. By prioritizing flexibility, reducing administrative burdens, and ensuring fair access for all employers, we can create an apprenticeship system that truly works for our industry and communities. 

This victory is proof that meaningful progress is possible when industry voices are heard. At ABC Heart of America, we’ll continue advocating for policies that empower contractors and apprentices to build the infrastructure and communities we depend on.