Research Reports & Studies
A strong construction industry depends on high-quality training, labor standards, and enforcement. This research examines how apprenticeship programs, prevailing wage laws, and project labor agreements shape workforce development, project outcomes, economic mobility, and jobsite safety.
Fast Facts
JATC wages have kept pace with inflation in the last decade while UAC’s have decreased by 12%.
93% of CA construction apprentices are trained in a Joint Apprenticeship Training program
The median hourly wage in construction is 19% higher than the median hourly wage for all California occupations.
PLAs were completed 15-17% faster than non PLA public works projects in Sacramento County, CA
Union contractors are 21% less likely to experience delays in project completion times due to shortages of workers compared to nonunion contractors
Apprenticeship & Workforce Development
Crafting Careers
September 2025
This report examines California’s registered apprenticeship system and its role in developing a skilled construction workforce. Findings show that union-affiliated apprenticeship programs provide rigorous training, support strong career pathways, and improve graduation rates, wages, and economic mobility across the industry.
Constructing A Diverse Workforce: Oregon Union and Non-Union Apprenticeship
September 2021
This report examines apprenticeship outcomes in the greater Portland region, finding that union apprenticeship programs enrolled more women, Black, Indigenous, and other workers of color and produced stronger workforce outcomes than non-union programs.
The Union Advantage During the Construction Labor Shortage
May 2022
This report explores how union contractors responded to rising construction labor shortages. Findings show that firms investing in apprenticeship training and job quality maintained more stable and diverse workforces while supporting higher wages, stronger benefits, safer jobsites, and improved workforce skills.
Project Performance & Infrastructure Delivery
Timely Construction: The Effect of Project Labor Agreements on Time to Completion
September 2025
This study analyzes 313 public works projects in Sacramento County, finding that projects built under project labor agreements (PLAs) were completed 15–17% faster and were significantly more likely to finish within one year than non-PLA projects.
Prevailing Wage
The Economic Impact of Prevailing Wage Law Repeals on Construction Market Outcomes
January 2022
This report examines the effects of prevailing wage law repeals on construction labor markets and project outcomes. Findings show that states repealing prevailing wage laws experienced slower growth in wages, benefits, employment, and productivity, alongside higher rates of jobsite fatalities.