Does Apprentix handle prevailing wage or certified payroll?
No, Apprentix does not handle prevailing wage compliance or certified payroll reporting. Those are separate requirements typically managed by your payroll provider or compliance consultant.
Are the prevailing wage and apprenticeship (PWA) requirements the same?
No, these are two separate requirements under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). The prevailing wage requirement ensures workers are paid according to local wage determinations while the apprenticeship requirement focuses on the use of registered apprentices.
How is Apprentix different from a payroll provider?
Apprentix is not involved in wage verification, certified payroll, or Davis-Bacon compliance. We focus solely on building and maintaining your registered apprenticeship program.
Do I still need to comply with Davis-Bacon or prevailing wage laws?
Yes. If your project is federally funded or meets other thresholds, you are still required to comply with Davis-Bacon/prevailing wage and certified payroll reporting, independent of Apprentix.
Can Apprentix help me understand certified payroll reporting?
While we can help explain the difference, certified payroll reporting is not part of our services. We recommend working with a labor attorney, payroll provider, or compliance consultant for those needs.
Who can I contact about prevailing wage or certified payroll?
You should speak with your payroll provider or a labor law specialist to address prevailing wage requirements. Apprentix does not provide this support.
What is the prevailing wage requirement under the Inflation Reduction Act?
The prevailing wage requirement ensures workers on qualifying projects are paid wages and benefits at rates determined by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) based on local standards. This is separate from the apprenticeship requirement.
Where can I find prevailing wage rates for my project?
Visit the DOL’s Wage Determinations site (SAM.gov) to search for wage rates by building type, state, county, and labor classification.
Can Apprentix complete certified payroll forms for my company?
No, Apprentix does not handle payroll or wage reporting. We can provide apprentice registration documentation and wage schedules, but it’s your responsibility to complete and file WH-347/WH-357 accurately.
What is WH-347 and WH-357, and how are they used?
WH-347 is the standard certified payroll form used to report wages and hours for each worker on a project.
WH-357 is the Apprentice and Trainee Worksheet, which helps validate that an apprentice was properly registered and paid according to program standards.
Where can I find WH-357?
The WH-357 form is available on the DOL’s Wage and Hour Division website: WH-357 Form PDF
Tips for using WH-357 effectively:
Make sure the apprentice’s name and registration number match what’s on file with the DOL.
Attach your wage schedule showing the correct percentage.
Ensure hours worked match those reported on the WH-347.
Keep copies of signed apprenticeship agreements as backup documentation.
Who completes the WH-357 form?
Typically, your payroll or compliance team completes the WH-357 using documentation from the apprenticeship sponsor. Apprentix can provide necessary verification of apprentice status and wage progression.
Can apprentices be paid less than the prevailing wage?
Yes, only if they are registered in a DOL-approved apprenticeship program. Apprentices can be paid at apprentice wage rates, which are typically a percentage of the journeyman rate as defined in the apprenticeship standards.
How do I know what percentage an apprentice should be paid?
The apprenticeship program standards (which Apprentix maintains for you) outline a wage progression schedule. For example, a first-year apprentice may earn 60% of the journeyman rate. These rates are outlined in the Appendix A’s provided to our customers.
Can I use apprentice wage rates without a registered apprenticeship?
No, if the worker is not a registered apprentice, you must pay them the full prevailing wage for that classification — even if they have limited experience.