Expands Skilled Workforce and Pathways to Higher-Paying Careers
The proposed law, titled “Mandating Apprenticeships in County Projects,” ensures contractors working on large County projects provide top-tier, hands-on training and education in the building trades for workers. Companies bidding on County construction projects over $250,000 will be required to have New York State registered apprenticeship programs in place. Contractors with 14 or fewer employees will be exempt.
By supporting proven training programs and broader access to skilled jobs, the law helps build a stronger local workforce while ensuring County infrastructure projects are completed by well-trained workers.
Chairman Vedat Gashi (D–New Castle, Ossining, Somers, Yorktown) said, “This is a win-win-win for Westchester County. When the County builds, this law will ensure we are also building opportunity for residents, raising construction standards, and making sure our public dollars reflect our values. Apprenticeship programs have a proven track record of creating economic opportunities. We are proud to put that record to work for Westchester. I am grateful to our labor partners and my colleagues whose commitment made this possible.”
Legislator Colin D. Smith (D–Cortlandt, Peekskill, Yorktown), Chair of the Board’s Legislation Committee, said, “This bill is about building Westchester the right way—by investing not only in projects, but in people. Legislation like this sends a clear message that when this County spends public dollars on construction, we expect those dollars to create real opportunity for our residents. It is a smart workforce development measure and a strong statement that Westchester values quality, accountability, and fairness.”
Legislator David J. Tubiolo (D–Yonkers, Mount Vernon), former Co-Chair of the Board’s Labor Subcommittee, said, “After working on this for two years, I’m proud we’re announcing this labor apprenticeship initiative — an investment in Westchester County’s future workforce and the strength of our local economy. This will give residents a clear pathway to good-paying, skilled careers while ensuring our County projects are built by highly trained professionals. Supporting union labor means supporting safer worksites, stronger communities, and lasting economic opportunity right here in Westchester.”
Legislator Jenn Puja (D–White Plains, Scarsdale, West Harrison), Chair of the Board’s Labor Committee, said, “Westchester puts workers first. This apprenticeship bill reflects years of advocacy and partnership. I’ve seen firsthand how apprenticeships open doors to good-paying union jobs and strengthen our workforce. Thank you to our labor partners and legislative colleagues whose dedication and persistence made this reality.”
Legislator Emiljana Ulaj (D–Cortlandt, Ossining, Croton, Briarcliff, Buchanan), Vice Chair of the Board’s Labor Committee, said, “Every time Westchester County invests in infrastructure, we will also be investing in our regional workforce—that’s the power of apprenticeship programs. Getting an apprenticeship in the building and construction trades is like finding a golden ticket for youth in our region. Building trades’ apprenticeship programs lead to family-sustaining jobs with excellent benefits, all without the burden of college debt. And unlike so many other jobs which could be threatened by advancements in technology, the building trades will be leading the way in addressing some of the highest need areas that we have. Apprentices will help us build more housing to address our housing shortage crisis, build climate resiliency to address the infrastructure challenges that we are flooded with due to climate change, and they will upgrade aging infrastructure in our communities like school buildings.”
Thomas Carey, President, Westchester/Putnam Central Labor Body AFL-CIO said, “Our apprenticeship programs throughout Westchester County have a proven track record for providing highly skilled tradesmen and tradeswomen to hit the ground running on every level of construction, renovation, and continuous maintenance. These apprentices are trained in their respective trades, which are fully funded, approved apprenticeships that will promote a lifelong career and, most importantly, teach them the latest safety training. I’d like to thank the vice presidents and delegates from the Westchester Putnam Central Labor Body for their continued diligence in working with both our County Executive and our county legislators to move this forward. I applaud our partners in Westchester County government who continue to help promote these wonderful apprenticeship programs and advocate for these vital programs.”
Jeff Loughlin, President, Westchester/Putnam Building and Construction Trades Council said, “On behalf of the Building and Construction Trades Council of Westchester and Putnam Counties, our thanks to County Executive Jenkins and the County Board of Legislators for getting this Apprentice Bill approved. The tireless efforts of our elected officials in understanding the importance of Apprentice Training as a pathway to becoming a Union Tradesman or Tradeswoman will provide many benefits to those enrolled in Union Apprentice Training Programs. Some of the benefits include higher-paying jobs, pensions, healthcare insurance, and an annuity. Our Council is comprised of 34 Trade Affiliates and has over 30,000 Union members working harder day by day to serve our members.”
Richard McSpedon, Vice President of the Westchester/Putnam Central Labor Body AFL-CIO and Business Representative, Local 3, IBEW said, “I am thrilled that this administration understands the value in a NYS DOL-certified apprenticeship program. Everyone’s path is different and not all paths go through college. Apprenticeships are a true pathway to the middle class. I hope more municipalities follow Westchester’s lead in supporting apprenticeships.”
Louis Sanchez, Business Representative, Local 3, IBEW said, “Westchester County is championing apprenticeship programs to empower residents with paid, hands-on training that leads to good-paying jobs. These programs connect workers with employers and open pathways into the trades. By investing in apprenticeships, we grow a resilient economy, support local businesses, and create a thriving future for all.”
