You Must Hire DIR Approved Apprentices

If you’re a contractor working on public works projects, you’re expected to follow California’s apprenticeship standards under Labor Code §1777.5. These rules apply to both contractors and subcontractors (except for smaller contracts under $30,000 not bid through a prime). Failing to comply can be costly — up to $300 per day for each violation — and can even get you banned from bidding on public projects for up to three years. Since 2012, the Labor Commissioner has overseen enforcement, covering things like submitting contract award information, hiring registered apprentices, and contributing to training funds.

One major requirement is filing DAS Form 140, which tells apprenticeship programs about your project. Deadlines depend on when your first journeyman starts work. Missing this form triggers daily penalties until it’s submitted — or until the project ends if you never file. For example, a late submission could mean over a month’s worth of penalties. Similarly, you must maintain the proper apprentice-to-journeyman ratio — typically one apprentice hour for every five journeyman hours — or face up to $300 per day for repeat violations.

Contractors can defend against ratio violations if they can prove they made timely apprentice dispatch requests using DAS Form 142. However, failing to employ registered apprentices, skipping training fund payments, or letting apprentices work unsupervised can still lead to serious fines under Civil Wage and Penalty Assessments. Simply put, staying compliant protects your reputation, your eligibility, and your bottom line.