The City of Spokane recognizes that a well-trained construction work force is critical to the ability of constructing successful public works projects. Apprenticeship training programs are particularly effective in providing training and experience to individuals seeking to enter or advance in the work force. By providing for apprenticeship utilization on public works projects, the City can create opportunities for training and experience that will help assure that a trained work force will be available in sufficient numbers in the future of the construction of public works projects.
Emergency Ordinance C36155 – Improving the public works apprenticeship program to match recent updates to state law and increase apprenticeship utilization was passed on December 6, 2021. On public works projects with an estimated cost of six hundred thousand dollars ($600K) or more, each craft/trade with a State approved apprenticeship program in Spokane that performs at least one hundred and sixty (160) labor hours at least fifteen will require that fifteen (15) percent of those hours on each project shall be performed by apprentices.
The utilization percentages for apprenticeship labor for public works construction contracts shall also apply to all subcontracts of one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) or more within those contracts provided there is a state-approved apprenticeship training programs for the trade of which a subcontract is issued.
The utilization requirements for apprenticeship labor for public works construction contracts shall also apply to all subcontracts of one hundred thousand dollars ($100K) or more. Any subcontracts less than one hundred thousand dollars ($100K) will be exempt from the ordinance.
Application Due March 31, 2022
The City of Spokane’s Apprenticeship Utilization Program provides grants up to $2,500 per award, to help employers, industry associations, colleges, or other workforce groups establish new or expanded pre-apprenticeship programs targeting minority, women, veterans and CEZ residents*. Grants will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis until grant dollars have been expended. Please see application for allowable costs for use of potential grant dollars. Any questions, please call 509.625.6031 or email at apprentice@spokanecity.org.
It is the policy of the City of Spokane to encourage the utilization of apprenticeships for veterans, women, minorities and residents of a Community Empowerment Zone (CEZ) by seeking to attain a goal of ten percent (10%) of apprenticeship labor hours be performed by members of these demographics. As an incentive to meet this goal, the City may offer credit of 1.1 hours for every hour of work performed by an apprentice covered by Chapter 07.06 Article X.
Email: apprentice@spokanecity.org
Phone: 509.625.6031
