70 ©2018 WASHINGTON DC ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP LABOR LAWS & FINDING TALENT
RECRUITMENT PROCESS FOR VETERANS WITH
SERVICE-RELATED DISABILITIES
Employers may post advertisements and vacancy
announcements with the DOES Job Bank. They
may also send vacancy announcements and request
referrals from the DC American Job Centers at
does.dc.gov/service/american-job-center.
APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM
The Apprenticeship program offers on-the-job training
opportunities, combined with classroom instruction, to teach
workers the practical and theoretical aspects of highly skilled
occupations, including construction, electrical, plumbing/
HVAC, and carpentry trades. Applicants must meet the
sponsor’s eligibility requirements and demonstrate that they
have the ability, aptitude, and education to master the basics
of the occupation.
PARTICIPATION ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Apprenticeship sponsors must be approved by a state or
federal apprenticeship registration agency for certification.
Apprenticeship sponsors may grant applicants credit toward
apprenticeship training for prior work or training in the
occupation or trade area.
An apprentice is a worker who is at least 16 years old, except
where a higher minimum age standard is otherwise fixed by
law, who is employed to learn an apprenticeable occupation
as provided. However, in the District of Columbia, the general
qualifications for apprenticeships vary by craft; the general
qualifications for apprenticeship selections are typically:
• Drug-free
• Physically able to do the work of the specified
trade/occupation
• A high school diploma or GED
• Access to reliable transportation, particularly for
construction trades
• A high school transcript may be required.
There are more than 800 apprenticeship trades recognized
nationally. For more information contact the Office of
Apprenticeship Information and Training at (202) 698-5099
or does.dc.gov.
UNDERSTANDING
EMPLOYMENT AND
LABOR LAWS
The District of Columbia has specific laws concerning the
hiring, firing, and treatment of employees. Several agencies
and nonprofit organizations offer assistance to understanding
employment and labor laws in DC:
THE SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION, a federal agency
devoted to helping small businesses, offers a counseling
service (SCORE) and can provide guidance on a range of
human resource topics.
(202) 272-0390 · washingtondc.score.org
THE DC CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS RESOURCE CENTER
provides technical assistance to small business owners on
many issues, including employment laws.
(202) 545-0220 · dcsbdc.org
LABOR STANDARDS/WORKER’S 6
PROTECTION
The Department of Employment Services plans, develops,
and administers employment-related services to all segments
of the District of Columbia population.
DOES houses up-to-date information on a broad range of
labor topics including:
WAGE HOUR LAWS
MINIMUM WAGE On July 1, 2018, the District’s minimum
wage increased to $13.25 per hour. Beginning July 1, 2017,
the District’s minimum wage increased in proportion
to the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers
in the Washington Metropolitan Statistical Area for the
preceding 12 months. Employers must pay a “service rate”
of $3.89 per hour to “tipped employees.” If an employee’s
hourly tip earnings (averaged weekly) added to the service
rate do not equal the minimum wage, the employer must
pay the difference.
/american-job-center
/does.dc.gov
/washingtondc.score.org
/dcsbdc.org