Amends existing law to provide for a contractor's participation in an apprentice program registered with the United States Department of Labor.

TheStateofIdahorecognizestheneedtosupportprogramsdesignedtodevelopadequatenumbersofskilled workers in the construction industry. This proposal encourages contractors to support apprenticeship and training in their respective trades. The Final Report of the Governor's Workforce Development Task Force included the following principle: Registered apprenticeship is a proven, industry-driven workforce development model. The state should support businesses and industry sector groups in creating apprenticeship programs, accelerating adoption across industry. The Task Force recommends expanding apprenticeship opportunities throughout the State as well as increasing the number of apprentices. To encourage apprenticeships and develop a highly skilled workforce, it is critical to provide on-the-job-training. Current law requires that state construction contracts must be awarded to the lowest "responsible and responsive" bidder. When prequalification of bidders is deemed to be in the best interest of the State, bidders must establish that they are licensed public works contractors and meet certain standards. Including apprenticeship participation as a prequalification standard for public works contracts would further Idaho's goal of developing its workforce to increase the number of skilled tradesmen in the construction industry. The State of Idaho can promote workforce development by incentivizing apprenticeship participation on public works projects.