When working in an industry that provides payroll services to contractors and subcontractors, they frequently ask where the information for the apprentices' salary is located when it comes to wage determinations. The quick answer is it's not listed on wage determinations. It solely includes the hourly wage and total amount of fringe benefits for the Journey People. Why is that?
An apprentice is an entry-level employee that greatly relies on the journeyman or the journey people when it comes to carrying out tasks in the field. They train under the supervision of a journeyman to develop the skills and competencies necessary in a specific field. On the other hand, a journeyman is responsible for many on-site projects and tasks. They completed an apprenticeship program and is a skilled worker in certain trades like project inspection, operating large machinery and equipment, and working together with other tradespeople to link project pieces and complete their work, depending on their individual profession.
The apprentices are paid an hourly rate, but the salary levels differ from those of the journey people. Due to its simplicity, it is one of the areas that DOL regularly examines in building projects receiving federal funding. However, there are steps, and they are easily confused.
So, when reviewing a determination while working on a federally funded construction project, be sure to note that the only rates stated are those for Journey people and above. Additionally, it is the lowest wage that can be offered to someone working in that trade category.
