To create jobs and help keep the state’s economy growing, California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger today discussed the need to recruit apprentices for public works projects funded by the 2006 voter-approved infrastructure bonds. The bonds authorize $42 billion for education, housing, levee repair, flood control, parks and transportation projects.

“There is really no job out there more satisfying than working to make California even greater than it is today. These apprentices will be actually building a better California with their own hands and skills. I know each of them will take pride in helping repair and rebuild our state for future generations,” Schwarzenegger said.

Under California law, one apprentice for every five journeymen is required to be employed on all public works job. In addition, the state is projected to have a major labor shortage in many of the building trades due to retirements of highly-skilled baby boomers over the next 10 to 12 years, when many of the infrastructure projects will be in full swing.

The state estimates that it will need more than 73,000 carpenters who will earn on average $23.20 an hour; 25,000 plumbers, pipefitters, steamfitters and electricians who will be paid on average $22-$23 an hour; and 15,000 operating engineers who will earn wages of $27 an hour on average.

There is an equally critical need for laborers, cement masons and concrete finishers and ironworkers to build the bridges, highways, schools, levees and housing the state will need over the next 10 to 12 years.