California
Has state requirement SAA state
Apprenticeship Administration
State Apprenticeship Agency (SAA) — State Apprenticeship Agency — state administers its own apprenticeship program
Requirement Details
| Type | ratio |
| Ratio / Percentage | 1:5 |
| Description | 1 apprentice hour for every 5 journeyman hours worked in each craft |
| Project Threshold | $30,000 |
| Statute | California Labor Code Section 1777.5 |
| Penalty | $100-$300 per day per apprentice not employed |
| Enforcement | Division of Apprenticeship Standards (DAS) |
California has the most comprehensive apprenticeship requirements. Contractors must request dispatch of apprentices from approved programs before starting work. Penalties of $100-$300 per day per apprentice for non-compliance.
Exemptions
- Projects under $30,000
- Contractors with fewer than 3 employees
- Joint apprenticeship committees may grant exemptions
Trade-Specific Ratios
| Trade | Ratio | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Electricians | 1:5 | IBEW/NECA standards |
| Plumbers/Pipefitters | 1:5 | UA standards |
| Sheet Metal Workers | 1:5 | SMACNA standards |
Federal IRA Requirement
15% apprentice labor hours on IRA/IIJA-funded clean energy projects over $1 million
Threshold: $1,000,000
IRS guidance
Sources
- https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?sectionNum=1777.5.&lawCode=LAB
- https://www.dir.ca.gov/das/
Last verified: 2026-02-06