The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) requires contractors to meet three separate compliance obligations:
Prevailing Wage (PW): Workers must be paid wages and benefits that meet U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) standards for their location and classification.
Apprenticeship (A): Contractors must employ registered apprentices for a percentage of total labor hours.
Recordkeeping: Data storage for 7 years.
Apprentix supports the apprenticeship and recordkeeping requirement, but we do not handle prevailing wage compliance or certified payroll reporting.
Apprentix vs. Payroll Providers
Q: Does Apprentix handle prevailing wage or certified payroll?
No. Apprentix focuses only on apprenticeship programs. Certified payroll and wage verification are handled by your payroll provider or compliance consultant.
Q: How is Apprentix different from a payroll provider?
Apprentix → Registers apprentices, manages compliance with DOL apprenticeship requirements.
Payroll Provider/Consultant → Handles wage verification, certified payroll, and Davis-Bacon reporting.
Compliance Obligations
Q: Do I still need to comply with Davis-Bacon or prevailing wage laws?
Yes. If your project is federally funded (or otherwise subject), you must comply with prevailing wage requirements and submit certified payroll—separate from Apprentix services.
Q: Can Apprentix help with certified payroll reporting?
We can explain the difference between wage and apprenticeship requirements, but we do not complete certified payroll forms. For reporting, consult your payroll provider, labor attorney, or compliance consultant.
Prevailing Wage Basics
Q: What is the prevailing wage requirement under the IRA?
Workers on qualifying projects must be paid wages and benefits at rates determined by the DOL, based on local standards (via wage determinations).
Q: Where can I find prevailing wage rates?
Visit the DOL’s Wage Determinations site (SAM.gov) to search by project type, state, county, and classification.
Certified Payroll Forms
Q: Can Apprentix complete certified payroll forms for my company?
No. Apprentix can provide:
Apprentice registration documentation
Apprentice wage progression schedules (Appendix A)
But it’s your responsibility to complete and file certified payroll forms.
Q: What are WH-347 and WH-357?
WH-347: Standard certified payroll form (reports wages & hours for each worker)
WH-357: Apprentice & Trainee Worksheet (validates that an apprentice is properly registered and paid correctly)
Q: Who completes the WH-357?
Your payroll or compliance team completes it. Apprentix provides apprentice status and wage progression details for verification.
Tips for Using WH-357 Effectively:
Ensure apprentice name and registration number match DOL records
Attach the correct wage progression schedule (Appendix A)
Hours must match those reported on WH-347
Keep signed apprenticeship agreements on file as backup
Q: Where can I find the WH-357 form?
The form is available on the DOL Wage and Hour Division website: WH-357 Form PDF
Apprentice Wages
Q: Can apprentices be paid less than the prevailing wage?
Yes, but only if they are registered apprentices in a DOL-approved program. Apprentices are paid at apprentice wage rates, typically a percentage of the journeyman rate.
Q: How do I know what percentage an apprentice should be paid?
Your Appendix A (maintained by Apprentix) define the wage progression schedule.
For example:
Year 1 apprentice: 60% of journeyman rate
Year 2 apprentice: 70% of journeyman rate
… and so on
These rates are documented in your Appendix A.
Q: Can I use apprentice wage rates without a registered apprenticeship?
No. If a worker is not a registered apprentice, they must be paid the full prevailing wage for their classification, regardless of experience.
✅ In summary: Apprentix helps you meet the IRA’s apprenticeship requirement, but you must still work with payroll experts for prevailing wage and certified payroll compliance.