Starting July 1, 2026, most contractors and subcontractors performing construction work for the City of Philadelphia will need to comply with new workforce training requirements.
These rules are a part of a new ordinance the City’s code for procurement contracts “to establish minimum workforce training requirements and documentation standards for contractors and subcontractors on public works projects, all under certain terms and conditions.”
What You Need to Know
- Applies to: All contractors and subcontractors working on $300,000+ City construction contracts with more than four (4) on-site workers (excluding roadwork and right-of-way projects)
- By Project Completion: At least 70% of on-site workers must be graduates of or enrolled in a Certified Apprenticeship Program
- Documentation: Contractors are required to periodically submit documentation, including workforce rosters, apprenticeship enrollment, and training completion records
- Non-compliance: Failure to meet these requirements can result in a contractor being not responsible and disqualified from bidding or performing work on City public works project contracts.
- Exemptions: Limited exemptions may be requested if no apprenticeship program exists for the trade involved.
- Requitements Take Effect: July 1, 2026
The Ordinance
Philadelphia City Council passed Bill No. 250607, which amended Chapter 17-100 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled “Procurement Contracts,” by revising Section 17-101, entitled “Prequalification of Prospective Bidders for Contracts for Construction of Public Works,” to establish minimum workforce training requirements and documentation standards for contractors and subcontractors on public works projects, all under certain terms and conditions.
