Prevailing wage: Apprentices

Apprentices working on state projects are not subject to the prevailing-wage rate determinations, except as they may be affected by registered apprenticeship agreements. The hourly rates of pay for such workers are established by the particular program to which the apprentice or trainee is subject.

The term "apprentice" means:

• a person employed and registered in a bona fide apprenticeship program registered with the U.S. Department of Labor or with a state apprenticeship program; and

• a person in the first 90 days of probationary employment as an apprentice who is not registered in the program but who has been certified by the U.S. Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training or a state apprenticeship agency or council to be eligible for probationary employment as an apprentice.

Exception to the definition:  Any employee listed on a payroll for a state project who does not fall within the term "apprentice" as described above, shall be paid the prevailing-wage rate for the classification of work performed.

The titles of unskilled worker, trainee, laborer, registered or unlicensed trade are not to be used interchangeably with "apprentice" to avoid the requirements of prevailing-wage law.

More information

For more information about apprenticeship agreements, see Minnesota Rules 5200.0290 to 5200.0420 or contact us at dli.prevwage@state.mn.us or 651-284-5091.