Legislature(2021 - 2022)BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
03/02/2022 01:30 PM Senate LABOR & COMMERCE
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| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| SB132 | |
| Presentation(s): Workforce Development and Infrastructure Investment | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
| += | SB 132 | TELECONFERENCED | |
ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
SENATE LABOR AND COMMERCE STANDING COMMITTEE
March 2, 2022
1:32 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Senator Mia Costello, Chair
Senator Joshua Revak, Vice Chair
Senator Elvi Gray-Jackson
MEMBERS ABSENT
Senator Peter Micciche
Senator Gary Stevens
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
PRESENTATION(S): WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT AND INFRASTRUCTURE
INVESTMENT
- HEARD
SENATE BILL NO. 132
"An Act exempting veterinarians from the requirements of the
controlled substance prescription database."
- MOVED SB 132 OUT OF COMMITTEE
PREVIOUS COMMITTEE ACTION
BILL: SB 132
SHORT TITLE: CONTROLLED SUB. DATA: EXEMPT VETERINARIAN
SPONSOR(s): SENATOR(s) HOLLAND
04/28/21 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
04/28/21 (S) HSS, L&C
02/03/22 (S) HSS AT 1:30 PM BUTROVICH 205
02/03/22 (S) Heard & Held
02/03/22 (S) MINUTE(HSS)
02/08/22 (S) HSS AT 1:30 PM BUTROVICH 205
02/08/22 (S) Moved SB 132 Out of Committee
02/08/22 (S) MINUTE(HSS)
02/09/22 (S) HSS RPT 4DP
02/09/22 (S) DP: WILSON, REINBOLD, BEGICH, HUGHES
02/23/22 (S) L&C AT 1:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
02/23/22 (S) Heard & Held
02/23/22 (S) MINUTE(L&C)
WITNESS REGISTER
NIKKI ROSE, Staff
Senator Roger Holland
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION2.
DR. RACHEL BERNGARTT, Chair
Board of Veterinary Examiners
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Expressed appreciation for the time and
thought the committee put into SB 132.
AARON PLIKAT, Business Manager, Financial Secretary; Chair
Joint Apprenticeship Training Trust
United Association of Plumbers and Steamfitters Local 367
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Co-delivered a presentation on workforce
development for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters.
EVERETT COLLINS, Building Trades Business Agent
United Association of Plumbers and Steamfitters Local 367
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Co-delivered a presentation about workforce
development for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters.
JOSH BOLTON, Statewide Training Director
Alaska Carpenters Training Trust (ACTT)
Northwest Carpenters Union (NWCU)
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Delivered a presentation about the Alaska
Carpenters Training Trust (ACTT).
MIKE HOLCOMB, Administrator
Alaska Operating Engineers/Employers Training Trust
Palmer, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Delivered a presentation about the Alaska
Operating Engineers/Employers Training Trust.
RYAN ANDREW, Assistant Business Manager
International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW)
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Delivered a presentation on Alaska Workforce
Development and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
ACTION NARRATIVE
1:32:10 PM
CHAIR MIA COSTELLO called the Senate Labor and Commerce Standing
Committee meeting to order at 1:32 p.m. Present at the call to
order were Senators Gray-Jackson, Revak, and Chair Costello.
SB 132-CONTROLLED SUB. DATA: EXEMPT VETERINARIAN
1:32:52 PM
CHAIR COSTELLO announced the consideration of SENATE BILL NO.
132 "An Act exempting veterinarians from the requirements of the
controlled substance prescription database."
She noted that this was the second hearing and public testimony
was opened and closed during the first hearing. She asked Ms.
Rose if she had any final comments before she looked to the will
of the committee.
1:33:49 PM
NIKKI ROSE, Staff, Senator Roger Holland, Alaska State
Legislature, Juneau, Alaska, thanked the committee for its
consideration of SB 132.
CHAIR COSTELLO asked Dr. Berngartt if she had any additional
comments on the bill.
1:34:12 PM
DR. RACHEL BERNGARTT, Chair, Board of Veterinary Examiners,
Juneau, Alaska, expressed appreciation for the time and thought
the committee put into SB 132.
SENATOR GRAY-JACKSON stated that she is proud to be a co-sponsor
and she looks forward to the bill passing both bodies.
1:34:45 PM
SENATOR REVAK moved to report SB 132, work order 32-LS0861\A,
from committee with individual recommendations and attached
fiscal note(s).
CHAIR COSTELLO found no objection and SB 132 moved from the
Senate Labor and Commerce Standing Committee.
1:35:07 PM
At ease
^PRESENTATION(S): Workforce Development and Infrastructure
Investment
PRESENTATION(S): Workforce Development and Infrastructure
Investment
1:36:38 PM
CHAIR COSTELLO reconvened the meeting and welcomed Aaron Plikat
and Everett Collins to talk about working in the trades and
their efforts to help train young Alaskans for jobs in these
professions.
1:37:35 PM
AARON PLIKAT, Business Manager, Financial Secretary, and Chair
of the Joint Apprenticeship Training Trust, United Association
of Plumbers and Steamfitters Local 367, Anchorage, Alaska, co-
delivered a presentation on workforce development for plumbers,
pipefitters, and steamfitters. He paraphrased his written
testimony.
UA Local 367 was established in 1938 to support
military construction and a young growing city. There
were originally 15 plumbers and gasfitters who sent a
request to the United Association's general office for
recognition of a Local chapter. Since that time, UA
Local 367 has grown and invested in workforce
development to create a membership of over 800 today.
One of the ways this was done was by creating our
local apprenticeship program in 1956 with
contributions from members' wages of $0.01 from all
hours worked by our membership. Today this
contribution rate has grown to $1.55 per hour worked
and has allowed us to train hundreds of qualified and
licensed Plumbers, Steamfitters, Welders, and HVACR
Technicians. These members have played a role in most
of the major construction projects in our State, from
the Trans Alaska Pipeline to all the major hospitals,
power production facilities, refineries, large
commercial buildings, and public schools.
CHAIR COSTELLO asked if he would describe the occupations that
Local 367 represents.
MR. PLIKAT explained that Local 367 represents plumbers,
pipefitters, service technicians, and welders. In addition to
basic plumbing, these professionals also install the lines for
medical gases that are used in hospitals and other medical
facilities. These include lines for oxygen masks and nitrogen
lines that power surgeons' tools, and vacuum systems in dental
offices. Plumbers also install the lines for domestic and
potable water systems, heating systems, and automation controls
for HVAC systems. On the industrial side, these professionals
work on pipelines for the oil industry, power facilities,
residential service, and construction.
1:41:45 PM
MR. PLIKAT explained that the United Association apprenticeship
program has 385,000 members in all U.S. states and provinces in
Canada, and is expanding internationally with partner agreements
in Ireland and Australia. The program requires 5 years and
10,000 hours to complete the training and achieve a journey
worker classification. The apprenticeship is lengthy due to the
work that must be covered and to ensure that the public is safe
around the systems that are installed. All apprentices are
required to obtain 240 hours of classroom training a year, which
is held in 40 hour blocks for six weeks. Apprentices who are
working union jobs are laid off to attend this training, but are
allowed to draw unemployment insurance during that time. Each
year apprentices return to build on the skills they learned the
previous year. The goal is that apprentices are gainfully
employed and acquiring hands-on skills when they are not in the
classroom. Beginning pay for apprentices is $20.50 or 50 percent
of a journey person's wage. The wage increases 10 percent every
2,000 hours until the apprentice achieves journey-level status.
Full health and other benefits are paid from day one. He noted
that the program currently has just 57 apprentices, which is
below the historical average of 75.
1:44:40 PM
MR. PLIKAT stated that workforce development has stalled the
last several years. Since the large powerplants in South Central
were finished, there have been small, private money construction
projects, but those do not provide employment for large numbers
of people. The result is that the retention of second to fourth
year apprentices has been at an all-time low. The current
apprenticeship opening has just 24 applicants, whereas in 2010
there were about 200 applicants.
MR. PLIKAT expressed optimism that the influx of American
Infrastructure Act dollars would have a positive effect on
workforce development in the state. He relayed that Local 367
stands ready to meet the challenges of recruitment and retention
of its apprentices. Outreach has included partnerships with
agencies such as UAA, AVTECH, King Career Center, and Alaska
Works Partnership to encourage apprenticeships. In 2010, the
United Association created the Veterans in Piping (VIP) program
to work with transitioning soldiers. They receive intensive
training in welding and HVAC while on active duty, and upon
completion are direct-entered into apprenticeship programs
around the country. As of 2018, the UA had 1,600 VIP graduates
placed in locals throughout the country. He noted that there was
additional information about this online.
1:49:45 PM
MR. PLIKAT reported that ahead of the anticipated infrastructure
dollars, Local 367 has worked on projects in the greater Yukon-
Kuskokwim area such as the Bethel hospital project that took a
workforce of some 30 plumbers and pipefitters about two years to
complete. For this project, Local 367 advertised locally through
the Department of Labor and Workforce Development (DOLWD) and
with Alaska Works Partnership to find locals who might be
interested in an apprenticeship. Just two people applied over
the course of the entire project and neither entered the
program. This started conversations about what to do to increase
interest in local projects such as the hotel project in the
Bethel region that has the potential to put 25-30 plumbers to
work for 18 months. He expressed hope, as Senator Murkowski had,
that the forthcoming infrastructure dollars would go toward
water and sewer infrastructure in rural Alaska to put an end of
the "honey bucket." He acknowledged the need for more trained
workers to accomplish this work, and mentioned the ongoing
discussion about extending the apprenticeship training program
and opening a training facility in Bethel.
MR. PLIKAT said Local 367 looks forward to taking the brick and
mortar training to see what can be done in this rural area. He
noted that employers are looking forward to the opportunity for
local hire in rural areas in part because it is a tremendous
cost savings. He opined that this model could be extended to the
Aleutian chain for geothermal power facility projects and to the
40 seafood processing facilities throughout the chain that
currently bring in workers from outside the state to maintain
the refrigeration facilities.
1:53:03 PM
MR. PLIKAT acknowledged that expanding infrastructure and a
skilled workforce into rural Alaska will take long-term training
programs and commitment from DOLWD to support doing things
differently. He asked the legislature to help this effort by
supporting the governor's $10 million increment in the DOLWD
budget specifically to assist with the State Training and
Employment Program (STEP) and other grant resources to expand
needed training programs. He also asked the legislature to
consider making the use of apprentices mandatory for all major
construction projects funded through the infrastructure bill. He
suggested a bar to hire apprentices in each craft to perform 10
percent of the hours of work on the project. It would be a
message from the state that it recognizes the need and value of
these apprentices.
1:55:41 PM
CHAIR COSTELLO committed to look at ways to further
apprenticeship training in rural communities because it supports
the notion of Alaska Hire. She mentioned training opportunities
for young people and asked him to talk about the partnership
with King Tech High School and whether Local 367 has similar
partnerships with other schools in Anchorage and elsewhere.
MR. PLIKAT replied King Tech has been a long-time partner. Once
a year counselors refer students with specific interest in the
pipe trades or welding for apprenticeship training and the union
routinely reaches out to check on the students' progress. To
facilitate access to schools, the local has a full-time
recruiter, has partnered with the Alaska School Counselor
Association to provide information at events, and continually
looks for outreach opportunities. Alaska Works Partnership does
a lot of outreach on behalf of the local; DOLPF's hands-on
training event with the trades at the Palmer Fairgrounds each
year has been very successful; and Local 367 holds a well-
advertised monthly open house at the Anchorage training center.
He also mentioned the transition program for veterans.
2:00:02 PM
CHAIR COSTELLO asked where the Local 367 joint apprenticeship
facility is located.
MR. PLIKAT replied the address is 617 West Potter Road between
Arctic and C Street. He related that the open houses started
slowly but after a year the word is spreading and there is more
interest from a variety of populations, including women.
CHAIR COSTELLO thanked Mr. Plikat and asked Mr. Collins to share
his role.
2:01:33 PM
EVERETT COLLINS, Building Trades Business Agent, United
Association of Plumbers and Steamfitters Local 367, Anchorage,
Alaska, explained that he primarily deals with manpower. He does
the dispatching, works with apprentices to understand the
benefits of the training center and what employment looks like
with various employers. He also works to encourage contractors
to hire new apprentices in suitable jobs.
CHAIR COSTELLO asked whether appropriately trained members of
Local 367 could be solicited to work on jobs in other states.
MR. COLLINS answered yes. He explained that the United
Association has hundreds of locals throughout the country and
much of his time is spent networking with other locals so
members who are short on work are able to work in another
locale. He noted a current concern that members who have left
the state for work may not return. He agreed with Mr. Plikat
that there will be a lot of work in Alaska over the next five to
ten years so it's important to work on the workforce now to meet
that demand with Alaska workers.
2:03:18 PM
SENATOR REVAK asked about the current situation with the
Military Construction Program (MILCON), whether the trend was
up, down, or steady, and how that affects training.
MR. PLIKAT offered his perspective that there is more outreach
and accessibility than in past years. He shared his excitement
about VIP in 2010 and that he lobbied to see whether JBER could
be a potential location because a massive number of soldiers
were transitioning to Alaska. He said the program is not
expanding at this time, but Local 367 has been offered services
to run the VIP Program and train at the Anchorage facility.
Efforts are ongoing to advance the idea to base leadership to
allow soldiers to enter programs such as advanced welding or
refrigeration training with the understanding that UA would
commit to placing these soldiers upon completion of the program.
He explained that the apprenticeship classes run about 32 weeks
and the remainder of the time is spent on various other
trainings. He said any help legislators could provide to gain
access to the base to advance training would be appreciated.
SENATOR REVAK said he was receptive to those conversations. He
added that he might benefit from the open houses to advance his
own welding skills.
He asked about the opportunities for work specific to military
construction.
MR. PLIKAT offered his understanding that the northern regions
of the state have enjoyed significant projects, but it has been
slow at JBER. He noted the significant projects in Shemya to
repower the base and realign the drainage system across the
island and mentioned hanger projects for the F-22 jets as well
as housing. Despite this activity he said there has definitely
been a significant slowdown the last few years.
CHAIR COSTELLO mentioned the possibility of a field trip to one
of the monthly open houses.
2:08:02 PM
SENATOR GRAY-JACKSON stated support for the governor's $10
million addition to DOLWD and expressed appreciation for the
suggestion to require hiring apprentices in each craft to
perform 10 percent of the hours of work on a project. She
committed to follow up after the meeting.
CHAIR COSTELLO asked Mr. Collins what he looks for in a
prospective apprentice and whether he interviews interested
parties.
MR. COLLINS replied he does participate in the interviews and
looks for people who have mechanical aptitude, an interest in
building things, and a desire to participate. Classes that
someone has taken and completed also indicate that the
individual has initiative. He noted that graduates from AVTEC
are always welcome; they have the education and have
demonstrated initiative.
CHAIR COSTELLO asked if apprentices can be younger than 18 years
of age.
MR. COLLINS replied age 18 is the threshold to be in the
construction trades, but younger Alaskans are welcome to attend
the open houses.
CHAIR COSTELLO found no further comments or questions and
thanked Mr. Collins and Mr. Plikat for the presentation. She
committed her office to stay in touch.
2:11:11 PM
At ease
2:12:56 PM
CHAIR COSTELLO reconvened the meeting and introduced Josh Bolton
to tell the committee about the Alaska Carpenters Training Trust
(ACTT) and the training opportunities for future Alaskan
workers.
2:13:17 PM
JOSH BOLTON, Statewide Training Director for the Alaska
Carpenters Training Trust (ACTT), Northwest Carpenters Union
(NWCU), Anchorage, Alaska, stated that NCU trains apprentice and
journey-level workers for all crafts that the Northwest
Carpenters Union represents in Alaska. He advised that the
presentation talks about ACTT's training program, the workforce
needs, and the efforts to meet those needs.
MR. BOLTON related that the Northwest Carpenters Union
represents over 1,200 members statewide and about 60 signatory
contractors that employ members. He recounted that the members
are carpenters who do foundations, metal and wood framing,
drywall and other finishing; pile drivers who drive piles and do
work on docks and piers; millwrights who do precision work on
turbines; divers who do underwater bridge inspections and
welding; scaffold erectors who are qualified to build and erect
scaffold up to 125 feet without engineering; and welders because
all these trades require welding skills.
2:15:46 PM
MR. BOLTON provided a brief description of the Northwest
Carpenters Union training.
• Facilities are located in Anchorage and Fairbanks.
• Classroom space is rented in Juneau for journey-level
upgrade training and the idea of apprenticeship training in
Juneau is being explored because Southeast needs more
qualified carpenters.
• Five full-time instructors are employed statewide.
• One full-time coordinator works at the Anchorage facility.
• One full-time statewide director. Mr. Bolton stated he
holds this position and works from the Fairbanks facility,
but travels to Anchorage and Juneau regularly to visit
schools and work on journey-level upgrade training.
• The registered apprenticeship program is four years
• The program requires about 7,000 hours of training.
• Classroom instruction in the training centers makes up 960
hours of the training.
• Apprentices perform 6,000 hours of on-the-job training
working for the union's signatory contractors throughout
the state.
• The retention rate for the training program over the last
five years is about 80 percent.
2:17:52 PM
MR. BOLTON displayed the chart on slide 4 that shows the
makeup of ACTT apprentices. At present, there are 167
apprentices statewide. This is a little higher than the
norm and the hope is that the numbers will increase further
this summer. He pointed out the diversity of the
apprentices, [which includes Hispanic Black/African
American, American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian/Pacific
Islander, and Caucasian]. He recounted that to apply and be
considered for the program, the only requirements are an
Alaska driver's license and high school diploma or GED.
2:18:49 PM
CHAIR COSTELLO asked for the address of the Anchorage training
facility.
MR. BOLTON replied it is in the industrial area on King Street.
MR. BOLTON turned to the chart on slide 5 that shows the number
of apprentices by craft, local union number, and location. He
noted that the small number of divers, scaffold erectors, and
millwrights reflects the small workload in these areas over the
last few years. ACTT has responded by slowing the intake of
apprentices.
• 84 carpenter apprentices are based out of local 1281 in
Anchorage.
• 50 carpenter apprentices are based out of local 1243 in
Fairbanks.
• 19 piledriver apprentices are based out of statewide
local 2520 in Anchorage.
• 5 diver apprentices are based out of statewide local 2520
in Anchorage.
• 6 scaffold erector apprentices work statewide but are
represented by local 1281 in Anchorage.
• 3 millwright apprentices work statewide but are
represented by local 1281 in Anchorage.
2:20:16 PM
MR. BOLTON stated that there has been a general workforce
shortage the last three years, largely due to the number of
members who have retired over the last decade. The shortage is
the result of a precedent in the 1980s and early 1990s to pass
over young people and hire experienced workers. During the
recession many members found work out-of-state, sometimes in
other industries, and they have not returned. COVID-19 also
affected all the trades.
MR. BOLTON reviewed the projections for 2022.
• ACTT expects at least 70 new apprentices this year. Just
eight apprentices are not working right now and this is
typically the slow time of year.
• Approximately 200 more journey-level workers will be needed
this season and that will be difficult to achieve without a
larger workforce. Representatives are currently talking
with non-signatory contractors about getting people into
journey-level and enhancement training so they can go to
job sites as journey-level workers.
• 40 percent more bridge work is anticipated in the Fairbanks
area alone. Interviews for a class of about 10 pile drivers
will start on March 14.
He explained that each year ACTT has two first-year selection
processes and two first-year apprentice training classes. Work
is underway to expand the training facilities in Anchorage to
facilitate larger class sizes.
2:24:00 PM
MR. BOLTON recounted the ways ACTT recruits.
• High school job fairs
• Private job fairs
• Alaska Works Partnership
• AWP has a 40 hour carpentry program that feeds into the
apprentice program
• ACTT provides all the welding training at AWP.
• ACTT uses its facility to teach a pile driver class for
Alaska Works Partnership for the Women in the Trades
program
• AVTEC and King Tech both have high level welding and
carpentry programs.
• Exiting military members are an excellent source of skilled
and trained workers.
MR. BOLTON discussed partnerships. ACTT has agreements with the
Fairbanks North Star Borough School District and Juneau School
District for a direct-entry path into the Fairbanks program.
ACTT will partner with any school district that is interested.
He noted that he sits on the curriculum committees for the
Yukon-Koyukuk School District and Hutchinson High School in
Fairbanks to promote training for the trades. He described
Alaska Works Partnership as extremely valuable for all the
trades. On behalf of ACTT, he stated support for HB 108 and HB
132, both of which would provide a path for a career in the
trades.
2:27:11 PM
CHAIR COSTELLO noted that he did not mention an agreement with
the Anchorage School District.
MR. BOLTON replied there is no formal agreement.
MR. BOLTON highlighted the things that would help apprenticeship
programs for all the trades going forward.
• Increased funding for school career and technical
education programs and classes
• Incentives for partnerships between high schools and non-
profit training programs
• Increased education on alternative career pathways
• Increased STEP grant funding
• Increased funding for workforce development, including
for instructors
2:31:14 PM
SENATOR REVAK noted that he benefitted from the home
construction course he took advantage of when he was in high
school. He opined that the committee needed to hear about this
and he looked forward to finding ways to further such
opportunities.
2:32:37 PM
SENATOR GRAY-JACKSON asked for an explanation of the STEP Grant.
MR. BOLTON said STEP stands for State Training and Employment
Program. Organizations, industry trainers and others qualify for
the funding by offering credentialed, industry-recognized
classes. He noted that many but not all ACTT classes qualify for
the STEP grant funding.
SENATOR GRAY-JACKSON asked what the line item was for that grant
program.
MR. BOLTON replied the maximum one organization is able to
receive is $400,000. For FY 2022, ACTT received a little over
$377,000.
CHAIR COSTELLO requested an explanation of the Alaska Works
Partnership with ACTT.
MR. BOLTON explained that ACTT is a dues paying member of the
Alaska Works Partnership (AWP), which is a nonprofit. He offered
his understanding that AWP is primarily grant-funded and its
introductory level training is open to the general public. The
trade classes are taught by representatives from either the
union or the trade. Carpentry courses are all taught by union
carpenters and the pile driver and welding programs are held at
the ACTT training center.
CHAIR COSTELLO thanked him for the presentation.
2:35:32 PM
At ease
2:36:15 PM slow
CHAIR COSTELLO reconvened the meeting and invited Michael
Holcomb and Cory Baxter to talk about the Alaska Operating
Engineers/Employers Training Trust.
2:36:40 PM
MIKE HOLCOMB, Administrator, Alaska Operating
Engineers/Employers Training Trust (AOEETT), Palmer, Alaska,
explained that AOEETT is a 501(c)(3) non-profit that runs a
federally registered apprenticeship program that has about 140
operator, mechanic, and service oiler apprentices. These
apprentices are employed by union contractors from large civil
construction companies in the state to work on construction
roadwork, heavy duty mechanics, and steel building assembly.
AOEETT provides apprentice and journey-level training for 1,500
to 1,800 IUOE Local 302 members annually. As with most unions,
member contributions along with STEP and other grants fund the
program. The classes include safety, skills upgrades, and
certifications required to work in Alaska.
2:38:27 PM
MR. HOLCOMB displayed images of the training facilities in
Palmer and Fairbanks. The Palmer facility is located on 163
acres; has a 200' X 80' indoor arena where heavy equipment
classes are held from October to May when the ground outside is
frozen; a 10,000 square foot shop that is being doubled in size;
and a 12,000 square foot building that houses offices and
classrooms. When the remodel is finished, the Palmer facility
will have 17 classrooms. The Fairbanks facility is a 4,800
square foot shop located at the Fairbanks Pipeline Training
Center. The training in that location is the same as in Palmer,
although on a smaller scale.
MR. HOLCOMB directed attention to the images inside the Palmer
indoor arena that give a sense of the excavation and line, and
grade classes. The image on the lower right of slide 4 simulates
the work that is done to bury utilities. The image of the lower
left simulates a mass excavation. The image on slide 5
illustrates the process to accomplish paving in Southcentral
Alaska in December and slide 6 shows the progress of the 10,000
square foot expansion of the maintenance facility in Palmer.
This expansion will add six classrooms, three of which are labs.
A computer lab is also an important addition, he said.
2:42:19 PM
MR. HOLCOMB highlighted the onsite equipment, which includes
more than 60 units of earthmoving, paving, and lifting equipment
that is used on a construction site; seven on-highway CDL trucks
and trailers; and eight equipment simulators, which have helped
improve the performance of first year apprentices. He noted that
contractors demand that all first year apprentices qualify for a
class A CDL.
MR. HOLCOMB restated that the apprenticeship program is
federally sponsored through the U.S. Department of Labor. The
current occupations are: 1) Heavy Equipment Operator, which
requires 6,000 hours of on-the-job training (OJT) with the
contractors; 2) Heavy Duty Mechanic, which requires 8,000 OJT
hours; and 3) Lubrication Service Technician, which requires
5,000 OJT hours. The total required classroom hours for
mechanics and operators is 12 weeks before dispatch. Thereafter,
a minimum of 80 hours of upgrade training is required each year.
He noted that there were 150 active apprentices as of this
month, 60 entered the program this year, and the training
trustees just approved a second intake of apprentices for the
year. He noted that the demand is expected to outstrip the
supply this year.
2:46:42 PM
SENATOR REVAK asked how AOEETT gages how much to increase the
intake of apprentices.
MR. HOLCOMB answered that much of it is based on the projects
that have been bid and awarded and the apprenticeship hours that
those jobs will bring. He described it as something of a crystal
ball best guess decision that takes graduation rates, dropout
rates, and the anticipated workload into consideration. He noted
that he would discuss supply and demand later in the
presentation.
MR. HOLCOMB highlighted that the starting wage for apprentices
is 60 percent of full scale or about $24.00 per hour plus a
fringe. Every 1,000 hours, depending on the level of training
and the occupation, the worker receives a raise. Operators, for
example, start at 60 percent then bump to 70 percent, then 80
percent, then in 5 percent increments to full scale.
CHAIR COSTELLO noted the tight timeline for the committee.
2:49:30 PM
MR. HOLCOMB turned to slide 9 that showed apprentice statistics
and acknowledged that some areas needed more outreach. For
example, six veterans just graduated, but that left just three
veterans in the program. He described 21 percent participation
by Alaska Natives as respectable then noted that the 23 females
in the program represented just 17 percent of the total
enrollment.
He briefly mentioned AOEETT's outreach partnerships with schools
listed on slide 10. These were: Alaska Vocational Technical
Center (AVTEC), King Tech High School (KCC), University of
Alaska Southeast (UAS), Hutchison High School, Anchorage School
District (ASD), Fairbanks North Star School District (FNSD), and
Mat-Su Career & Tech High School (Career Tech). He noted that
AOEETT works with Career Tech on the Skills USA national
competition to host the hydraulics competition. The winner has
the option for direct-entry into the apprenticeship program.
MR. HOLCOMB briefly mentioned the outreach partnerships listed
on slide 11.
• Alaska Works Partnership
• Partners for Progress in Delta that offers three-week
programs mostly with Technical Vocational Education Program
(TVEP) funds
• Classes for Knik Tribal
• Classes at the Department of Corrections (DOC) Highland
Mountain Correctional Center
• Fairbanks North Star School District
• Blade classes for the Department of Transportation and
Public Facilities (DOTPF) through the Fairbanks Pipeline
Training Center
2:51:32 PM
MR. HOLCOMB listed the craft partnerships at both the Fairbanks
Pipeline Training Center and the Palmer Training Center.
Fairbanks Pipeline Training Center
• Plumbers & Steamfitters Local 375
• Teamsters Local 959
• Laborers Local 341
Palmer Training Center
• Iron Workers Local 751 to do erection simulation classes
• Masons & Plasterers local 528
MR. HOLCOMB mentioned the classes that are offered at the
training facilities: 13 safety; 4 commercial driver's license
(CDL); 8 crane; 6 Grade/GPS; 14 Heavy Equipment; 10 Heavy Duty
Mechanic; 4 Electrical; 6 Welding; and 4 Pipeline.
2:52:20 PM
MR. HOLCOMB returned to the topic of supply and demand and
mentioned the projected projects bulleted on slide 14.
• $3.5 Billion for rural sanitation (nationally)
• $3.4 Billion over 5 years for highway improvements
(nationally)
• $367+ Million Increased Port of Alaska modernization
improvements
• $225 Million in bridge repair
• More than $700 million currently awarded and upcoming for
highway improvements in 2021 and 2022
MR. HOLCOMB said AOEETT is already getting calls about the
availability of apprentices for the upcoming season. He opined
that to meet the forecast demand, the push to increase the
number of apprentices probably should have started two years
ago.
2:53:25 PM
MR. HOLCOMB reviewed AOEETT's annual costs.
• Budget = $3.5 to $4 million
• Labor = +-$2 million
• Fuel/Maintenance = $300 thousand
• Expenses = $1 - $1.5 million
• Expansion = $2.3 million
• New Equipment = $175 thousand
MR. HOLCOMB offered potential solutions to AOEETT's tight
budget:
• increase STEP funding,
• increase the apprentice utilization ration from 1:20, and
• impose a state requirement to utilize a certain number of
apprentice hours per craft.
MR. HOLCOMB concluded the presentation with an image of the new
apprenticeship pamphlet. He related that apprentices will be
accepted starting in April and intake will be done biannually
thereafter. He expressed hope for robust interest and
participation, and noted that his contact information was on the
final slide.
2:55:37 PM
CHAIR COSTELLO thanked him for the presentation and noted that
she had toured the Palmer Training Center. She described the
indoor arena as innovative.
SENATOR REVAK thanked Mr. Holcomb for the informative
presentation and relayed that Senator Bishop was very proud of
the work he was doing.
2:56:57 PM
At ease
2:57:49 PM
CHAIR COSTELLO reconvened the meeting and invited Ryan Andrew to
talk about the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers
(IBEW).
2:58:24 PM
CHAIR COSTELLO turned the gavel over to Vice Chair Revak.
2:58:48 PM
VICE CHAIR REVAK welcomed Mr. Andrew.
2:59:04 PM
RYAN ANDREW, Assistant Business Manager, International
Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), Anchorage, Alaska,
thanked the committee for inviting him to talk about workforce
development and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act
(IIJA). He stated that the IBEW represents more than 4,000
workers in Alaska in a broad range of jobs, but today he would
focus on apprenticeships in the electrical/construction
industry.
MR. ANDREW began the presentation by describing the joint
apprenticeship model and how it is used in the construction
industry. These programs are administered jointly by labor,
which is the union representing the workforce, and
management/employers in the industry. These programs are funded
by employer contributions that are based on the hours worked on
a project. He said the apprenticeship model has been used
extensively in the construction industry and it produces
excellent results. Labor and management cooperate to ensure the
proper training for all apprentices. The programs are registered
with the U.S. Department of Labor for added assurance that the
proper administration of training occurs.
MR. ANDREW turned to slide 3 to discuss the electrical industry
in Alaska and the joint apprenticeship between IBEW Local 1545
and the Alaska Chapter of the National Electrical Contractors
Association (NECA). This is a statewide training program that
consists of a combination of on-the-job experience and classroom
instruction relevant to the industry. The three most common
disciplines in the electrical industry are 1) journey-level
electrician, which are the workers doing the electrical work
inside buildings; 2) journey-level power lineman, which are the
individuals who work outside on overhead powerlines; and 3)
journey-level telecommunications workers who are responsible for
installing infrastructure and cabling for telephone uses.
3:02:29 PM
MR. ANDREW explained that each of the three disciplines require
8,000 hours of on-the-job experience and about 1,000 hours of
classroom instruction. After about four or five years in the
program, the apprentice will achieve journey-level status.
Apprentices are put in an applicant pool then placed on an
eligibility list after they interview. He noted that an
advantage of the apprenticeship model is that it is scalable to
accommodate increased demand for workers. However, the size of
the program is limited by the number of positions available to
employ apprentices. He noted that the number of first-year
apprentice positions is particularly limited. It is an
additional challenge when employers are not willing to hire and
invest in training apprentices. He agreed with Mr. Plikat about
the benefit of requiring employers to hire a certain percentage
of apprentices. It is crucial for the development of the future
workforce.
MR. ANDREW highlighted the challenge of accessing funding to
meet increased demand for training. He explained that the
availability of funding is directly proportional to the number
of work hours, and there is a slight lag. Contributions to the
program are based on the hours of work currently being
performed, so funding is not immediately available to start
additional training. Another challenge for this apprenticeship
program is the increased cost of obtaining commercial driver
license (CDL) training, in part because of the new federal
requirements.
3:05:23 PM
MR. ANDREW stated that a potential solution to alleviate the
bottleneck associated with having too few first-year apprentice
positions would be to adjust the requirements to utilize
apprentices. The requirement could be project specific or
broader to cover multiple projects. He noted that the typical
measure is as a percentage of the overall workforce, but it
could be a percentage of the work hours for a particular craft.
He said the earlier suggestions to bring enough apprentices to a
project were excellent.
MR. ANDREW offered potential funding solutions.
• Increase the funding for State Training and Employment
Program (STEP) grants that are administered through the
Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOTPF).
• The IBEW program uses STEP funds to help with training
costs related to the CDL requirements, and to support
apprentices who travel from rural Alaska to the Anchorage
and Fairbanks training sites for classroom training.
MR. ANDREW stated that a potential solution to develop the
additional workforce would be to increase funding for pre-
apprenticeship programs. He highlighted the excellent pre-
apprenticeship training that Alaska Works Partnership offers.
These provide an opportunity to "try out" the trade. They are an
essential component of recruiting and preparing candidates for
apprenticeships.
MR. ANDREW concluded the presentation by highlighting the
partnership between IBEW Local 1547 and King Tech High School in
Anchorage. High school graduates who have taken the electricity
course are granted direct entry into the apprenticeship program.
He encouraged anyone who receives an invitation to the
graduation signing ceremony to attend. For these graduates it is
opening a door to a great career right out of high school. He
also highlighted the pre-apprenticeship Veterans' Electrical
Entry Program (VEEP). Veterans who are in the final six months
of service are able to complete the nationally certified
classroom training for a first year apprenticeship. After the
veterans separate, they can be placed in apprenticeships
throughout the country.
3:11:46 PM
SENATOR GRAY-JACKSON thanked all the presenters for the edifying
presentations.
VICE CHAIR REVAK echoed her comments and expressed his personal
appreciation for the efforts to employ veterans.
3:13:01 PM
There being no further business to come before the committee,
Vice Chair Revak adjourned the Senate Labor and Commerce
Standing Committee meeting at 3:13 p.m.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| SB 132 Additional Letter of Support - WV Veterinary Medical.pdf |
SL&C 3/2/2022 1:30:00 PM |
SB 132 |
| SLAC 3.2.22 Presentation - Plumbers and Steamfitters.pdf |
SL&C 3/2/2022 1:30:00 PM |
|
| SLAC 3.2.22 Presentation - Northwest and Alaska Carpenters.pdf |
SL&C 3/2/2022 1:30:00 PM |
|
| SLAC 3.2.22 Presentation - Alaska Operating Engineers.pdf |
SL&C 3/2/2022 1:30:00 PM |
|
| SLAC 3.2.22 Presentation - IBEW.pdf |
SL&C 3/2/2022 1:30:00 PM |
|
| SLAC 3.2.22 Presentation - Supporting Documents.pdf |
SL&C 3/2/2022 1:30:00 PM |