Workforce

08.26.20

Considering the current impasse over funding another COVID relief bill and the U.S. Postal Service in the midst of election season, there is much uncertainty over how Congress will fund the government after September 30. Upon its return to Washington, the Senate will have approximately three weeks to pass 12 appropriations bills, which will then require reconciliation with the House bill before it goes to President Trump for his signature before adjourning for the month of October to campaign.

05.14.20

PHCC members can now participate in a full suite of DeVry University online education options at a partner group registration rate and with the potential to earn a degree. Through a tailored partnership with a well-known education and training provider, PHCC members can access a wide array of DeVryWORKS Skills Gap Training online course modules.

04.16.20

Roughly two weeks after President Trump signed the CARES Act into law to inject $2.3 trillion into the U.S. economy to keep it afloat, the $350 billion allocated for small business assistance is expected to dry up by the end of the week. As of close-of-business Wednesday, 1.52 million small businesses were approved for $324 billion in loans.

03.30.20

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has updated its “Essential Critical Infrastructure Workforce” advisory list to more accurately define the plumbing and mechanical industry, a list that now includes language for which IAPMO advocated.”

03.26.20

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued guidance outlining essential workers that should be exempt from any quarantine orders issued by state or local governments requiring citizens to stay at home.

03.26.20

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Congress has passed two bills providing financial aid and is currently debating a third bill that will provide significant economic stimulus (subsequently known as “Phase 1,” “Phase 2,” and “Phase 3”). 

03.20.20

The President and U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) have issued a Coronavirus Guidance for America identifying plumbers and other tradespeople as “essential critical infrastructure workers” as our nation responds to the threat of COVID-19.

03.17.20

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) released its final rule establishing industry recognized apprenticeship programs (IRAPs) and will maintain the exclusion of construction industry from IRAPs, thereby maintaining the integrity of Registered Apprentice Programs. PHCC filed comments on the proposed rule making which supported the ultimate outcome of the rule.

03.04.20

PHCC Strategic Partner Bradford White joins industry representatives to support training and education for skilled tradespeople.

02.12.20

On Monday, February 10 the Trump administration released its proposal for funding the federal government in FY2021. Though the proposal includes an overall decrease in funding for the Departments of Education and Labor, the proposal includes increases in funding to career and technical education (CTE) and apprenticeship programs.