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Senate of Pennsylvania
Session of 2019 - 2020 Regular Session

MEMORANDUM

Posted:	December 3, 2018 11:54 AM
From:	Senator Scott Martin
To:	All Senate members
Subject:	Establishing On-The-Job Training Ratios

In the near future, I plan to reintroduce SB 429 of last session. This legislation would improve the flexibility and accessibility of training and hiring for thousands of industries by codifying access to a ratio of one supervisory journeyman for each apprentice. This effective on-the-job training system is already universally accessible to employers in thirty-nine other states and is the most efficient way to encourage a new generation of the skilled trade workforce. As a result of the Apprenticeship and Training Act, which was passed in 1961, the Department of Labor & Industry promulgated regulations that establish specific procedures for the training of apprentices in thousands of occupations, including manufacturing, corrections, and construction. However, since the act’s inception, these procedures do not mirror the federal Department of Labor’s allowed ratio of one journeyman for each apprentice. For instance, Pennsylvania’s burdensome and antiquated regulatory environment currently requires almost 90% of the construction industry to devote four existing employees to the supervision of each new trainee, limiting access to training and crippling hiring in skilled trades. This overreaching regulation does nothing to improve workplace safety and slows wage growth by harnessing the ability to train skilled workers. My bill will rectify that inequality and allow employers across the Commonwealth to pair up new employees under a supervisory, experienced employee. Not only will this measure continue to ensure safety on the workplace, but it will reinvigorate an aging workforce and allow efficient training for our job creators. I hope you will consider joining me in support of this legislation. Previous cosponsors include Senators Aument, DiSanto, Eichelberger, Alloway, Laughlin, Hutchinson, Mensch, White, Regan, Reschenthaler and Wagner.

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