The Virginia Board of Contractors voted to reduce licensing requirements in construction-related trades, a change meant to address a shortage of skilled labor, and to comply with Governor Glenn Youngkin’s push for regulatory cuts. The cuts reduce the years of experience required for journey-level tradesmen in in-demand construction fields from four to two years, create an extra pathway for skilled workers to become licensed, and eliminate a continuing education mandate.
“This is a major win for all Virginians,” Youngkin said in a press release. “Increasing opportunities for people to become licensed in high-demand, high-paying jobs while also helping businesses find the talent they desperately need will strengthen our Commonwealth. Since day one my administration has been working to reinvigorate job growth and make Virginia the best place to live, work and raise a family. I’m confident that these actions will move us closer to that goal.”
In January, Youngkin ordered executive branch agencies to cut 25 percent of regulations and highlighted other regulatory cuts in the months since then. The Board of Contractors voted on its latest regulatory changes on August 2.
“Our boards are composed of practitioners, business owners, as well as citizens, and as part of Governor Youngkin’s Day One commitment to reduce the regulatory burden on businesses and citizens across the Commonwealth, DPOR boards are evaluating the education and experience requirements of occupations to ensure we are not requiring more than is necessary to protect the public,” Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation Director Demetrios Melis said in Youngkin’s release.
“Government-mandated continuing education with no clearly identifiable public protection benefit is a burden on businesses and individuals requiring time, money, and energy for compliance,” the release states, arguing that continuing education requirements haven’t reduced disciplinary actions.
“Construction firms are struggling to find enough qualified workers to meet consumer needs and contribute to economic growth,” Secretary of Labor Bryan Slater said. “Not enough people are entering training programs for these types of jobs. There isn’t one solution to this problem, we are working to increase awareness and opportunities for apprenticeships and combined with making it easier for these skilled workers to become licensed and start working, we’ll begin to see a turnaround.”
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Eric Burk is a reporter at The Virginia Star and The Star News Network. Email tips to [email protected].
