The City of Bellingham recognizes that a well-trained construction work force is critical to the success of 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 encouraging apprenticeship utilization on public
works projects, the City can create opportunities for training and experience that will help ensure that a trained work force will be available in sufficient numbers in the future for the construction of public works projects.
On March 8, 2021, Bellingham City Council approved Ordinance 2021-03-007 adding chapter 4.94 to the Bellingham Municipal Code (BMC), requiring public works projects to provide apprentices with job training hours. Following the creation of BMC 4.94, the City developed a standard specification for apprentice utilization. This specification requires contractors to have a minimum of 15% of total labor hours performed by apprentices enrolled in an approved apprenticeship program for all public works projects estimated to cost $1,000,000 or more with a completion time of more than 70 working days.
Annual Reports
BMC 4.94 requires, to the extent it is available, annual reporting on the apprenticeship program on the City website. The annual reports below include information for all public works projects with an apprenticeship requirement:
