Westchester County Board of Legislators Passes Apprenticeship Bill
The Westchester County Board of Legislators unanimously passed a measure tonight that expands access to quality training in the skilled trades, creating a new pathway to well-paying careers.
Legislators voted on the proposed law, Mandating Apprenticeships in County Projects, at their regular board meeting tonight at 7:00 PM in the Legislative Chamber, 148 Martine Avenue, 8th Floor, White Plains, New York 10601.
The new legislation requires contractors bidding on large County construction projects to provide hands-on, industry-aligned training and skill development to workers. Companies seeking contracts over $250,000 must offer New York State-registered apprenticeship programs in the building trades. Contractors with 14 or fewer employees are exempt.
Mandated apprenticeships will build a stronger local talent pipeline and ensure County infrastructure projects are completed by highly skilled tradespeople.
During a pre-vote press conference in the Board’s rotunda, legislators were joined by Westchester Putnam Building Trades Council Vice President Ed Cooke and Port Chester resident and apprentice carpenter Jonathan Valdovinos, who spoke about the doors opened to him by apprenticeship.
Chairman Vedat Gashi (D–New Castle, Ossining, Somers, Yorktown) said, “This is a win-win-win for Westchester County. When the County builds, this law will ensure we are also building opportunity for residents, raising construction standards, and making sure our public dollars reflect our values. Apprenticeship programs have a proven track record of creating economic opportunities. We are proud to put that record to work for Westchester. I am grateful to our labor partners and my colleagues whose commitment made this possible.”
Legislator Colin D. Smith (D–Cortlandt, Peekskill, Yorktown), Chair of the Board’s Legislation Committee, said, “This bill is about building Westchester the right way—by investing not only in projects, but in people. Legislation like this sends a clear message that when this County spends public dollars on construction, we expect those dollars to create real opportunity for our residents. It is a smart workforce development measure and a strong statement that Westchester values quality, accountability, and fairness.”
Legislator David J. Tubiolo (D–Yonkers, Mount Vernon), former Co-Chair of the Board’s Labor Subcommittee, said, “After working on this for two years, I’m proud we’re announcing this labor apprenticeship initiative—an investment in Westchester County’s future workforce and the strength of our local economy. This will give residents a clear pathway to good-paying, skilled careers while ensuring our County projects are built by highly trained professionals. Supporting union labor means supporting safer worksites, stronger communities, and lasting economic opportunity right here in Westchester.”
Legislator Jenn Puja (D–White Plains, Scarsdale, West Harrison), Chair of the Board’s Labor Committee, said, “Westchester puts workers first. This apprenticeship bill reflects years of advocacy and partnership. I’ve seen firsthand how apprenticeships open doors to good-paying union jobs and strengthen our workforce. Thank you to our labor partners and legislative colleagues whose dedication and persistence made this reality.”
Legislator Emiljana Ulaj (D–Cortlandt, Ossining, Croton, Briarcliff, Buchanan), Vice Chair of the Board’s Labor Committee, said, “Every time Westchester County invests in infrastructure, we will also be investing in our regional workforce—that’s the power of apprenticeship programs. Getting an apprenticeship in the building and construction trades is like finding a golden ticket for youth in our region. Building trades’ apprenticeship programs lead to family-sustaining jobs with excellent benefits, all without the burden of college debt. And unlike so many other jobs which could be threatened by advancements in technology, the building trades will be leading the way in addressing some of the highest need areas that we have. Apprentices will help us build more housing to address our housing shortage crisis, build climate resiliency to address the infrastructure challenges that we are flooded with due to climate change, and they will upgrade aging infrastructure in our communities like school buildings.”