Throughout South Florida, including Broward County, construction employers are having a difficult time filling certain skilled trade positions. The shortage of skilled trades workers could result in delays, expenses, and other challenges to the County’s future construction projects.
The proposed Ordinance would require contractors bidding or proposing on County construction projects over a certain dollar amount to participate in apprenticeship programs approved by the State of Florida or the federal government, or, if no apprenticeship program exists for a trade, would require the contractor to develop apprenticeship opportunities. The draft Ordinance would also establish a minimum percentage of hours of work on applicable County construction projects that must be performed by apprentices.
The apprenticeship program would help create opportunities for training and experience that will benefit the County including in connection with future County construction projects. In addition, requiring the employment of apprentices on County construction projects will ultimately result in improved quality and quantity of work and will promote business and economic development by increasing the number of skilled workers in Broward County. |