Nevada State AFL-CIO, Building Trades Statement in Support of SB247
Las Vegas, Nev. — Today, the Nevada State AFL-CIO, the Building and Construction Trades Council of Northern Nevada, and the Southern Nevada Building Trades Unions released the below statements in support of Nevada Senate Bill 247 from Senator Marilyn Dondero Loop. This legislation will protect the integrity of Nevada’s apprenticeship programs and ensure Nevada’s apprenticeships meet standards set by federal regulations. The bill was heard yesterday in the Senate Commerce and Labor Committee, chaired by Senator Pat Spearman.
“Each year, workers across our state take part in apprenticeship programs to prepare for new careers in skilled trades. This legislation will ensure that these programs are held to the highest standard that our newest workers deserve,” said Rusty McAllister, the Executive Treasurer-Secretary of the Nevada State AFL-CIO. “With SB247, we guarantee that our apprenticeship programs will best serve our trainees and ensure those entering our workforce—and joining Nevada’s strong unions—are equipped with the skills they need.”
"The intent of this bill is to remove the conflict between traditional apprentice programs and non-traditional programs and will bring Nevada’s law into conformance with federal regulation," said Rob Benner, Secretary-Treasurer of the Building & Construction Trades of Northern Nevada. “This bill will protect apprentices from low-quality programs, preserve valuable taxpayer money, and maintain the integrity of the existing registered apprenticeship system."
“This legislation will ensure that Building Trades Apprenticeship Programs, recognized as the gold standard of work-based learning strategies, maintain their proven delivery method,” said Bill Stanley, Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the Southern Nevada Building Trades Union.
Apprenticeships are unique, flexible training opportunities that combine job-related technical instruction with structured on-the-job learning experiences. In 2019, roughly 633,476 Americans took part in apprenticeship programs nationwide.
MEDIA CONTACT
Shelbie Swartz, sswartz@nvaflcio.com, 702-419-9410 (Nevada State AFL-CIO)
Wendy Stolyarov, wendystolyarov@gmail.com, 775-247-4390 (BCTNN)
Ielina Guevara, iguevara@snbtu.org, 702-630-4555 (SNBTU)