FAR 52.220-2

Apprentices

Requires contractor to employ apprentices on certain contracts in apprenticeable occupations.

Applicability: Required for construction, installation, and certain service contracts.

Key Requirements

1

Employ apprentices in apprenticeable occupations per government guideline

2

Register apprentices with Department of Labor or state authority

3

Pay apprentices prevailing wage for their level

4

Provide apprentice training and supervision

Common Issues & Pitfalls

Treating apprentices as unpaid interns (violates wage requirements)

Not registering apprentices with DOL (creates compliance failure)

Failing to provide structured training/supervision

Mixing apprentice positions with regular entry-level positions

Contractor Guidance for Your Bid

If you bid construction or skilled trades contracts, budget for apprentices. They must be registered and paid—no shortcuts. Set up training program before award. DOL audits this aggressively.

Related FAR Clauses