Today, on only the third day of Oregon’s short legislative session, a bill of considerable interest to AGC passed out of the House. House Bill 4058 addresses the addition of apprenticeship to Oregon’s 40-40-20 education goals for the year 2025. Carried by Representatives Chris Gorsek and Mark Johnson, the bill passed with a unanimous vote of 59–0, with one member excused for business of the House.
On Monday, AGC Public and Strategic Affairs Director John Rakowitz testified in front of the House Higher Education and Workforce Development Committee in support of the bill. In his testimony, Rakowitz emphasized the “need to recognize apprenticeship as a viable career path for young people looking for a hands-on education and a well-paying job.”
He stated that the bill “could not be more timely in light of the workforce challenges and shifts the construction industry will face in the coming years.” By recognizing apprenticeship as a part of the state’s 2025 education goals, HB 4058 is a small but critical step towards growing the construction industry’s future workforce to meet these needs.
An article regarding this bill was also published online in yesterday’s Daily Journal of Commerce.
The bill will now move to the Senate for a first reading.
For further questions, please contact Public and Strategic Affairs Director John Rakowitz, 503-317-1781.