DAS 142: Request for Dispatch of an Apprentice

A PRACTICAL GUIDE FOR CALIFORNIA PUBLIC WORKS CONTRACTORS

Understand what the DAS 142 is, when it is required, how to submit it, and how it works together with the DAS 140 to help contractors meet California apprenticeship requirements on public works projects.

What is the DAS 142?

The DAS 142, also known as the Request for Dispatch of an Apprentice, is California’s official form used by contractors and subcontractors on public works projects to request that an approved apprenticeship program dispatch a registered apprentice to a job site.

The form is part of California public works apprenticeship compliance and helps demonstrate that a contractor made a good-faith effort to request apprentices when required.

Unlike the DAS 140, which notifies apprenticeship committees of a contract award, the DAS 142 is the form used to actually request that apprentices be sent to the project.

DAS 140
Contract Award Information

Notifies apprenticeship programs that a contractor or subcontractor has been awarded public works work involving apprenticeable crafts.
Provides estimated journeyperson hours and apprenticeship needs.
Does not request that an apprentice be sent to the job site.

DAS 142
Request for Dispatch of Apprentice

Requests that an apprenticeship program send a registered apprentice to a public works project.
Helps contractors meet California’s required apprentice-to-journeyman ratio.
Must generally be submitted at least 72 hours in advance, excluding weekends and holidays.

When is the DAS 142 Required?

California public works contractors performing work in apprenticeable crafts are generally subject to apprenticeship requirements. When contractors do not have sufficient registered apprentices to meet applicable requirements, they must request apprentice dispatch using the DAS 142 form, unless an applicable exemption applies.

Understanding Apprenticeship Ratios

GENERAL PUBLIC WORKS REQUIREMENT

1:5

Apprentice-to-Journeyman Work Hours

Generally, one hour of apprentice work is required for every five hours of journeyman work performed in an apprenticeable craft.

Example: 200 journeyman hours = 40 apprentice hours under the standard

1:5 calculation.

PROGRAM-SPECIFC

EXAMPLE

1:4

Northern California Operating Engineers

The applicable apprenticeship standards may specify one apprentice for every four journeymen for certain dispatch or staffing requirements.

Program-specific ratios must be

checked against the approved

apprenticeship standards.

Ratios Are Not Always the Same

Apprenticeship requirements may vary by craft, geographic area, and approved apprenticeship program. Contractors should verify the applicable requirements before requesting dispatch. Program staffing ratios and public works apprentice-hour requirements are not necessarily interchangeable.

Requesting Apprentice Dispatch

When a contractor does not have sufficient registered apprentices to meet the applicable apprenticeship requirements, a written DAS 142 request must be submitted to the appropriate apprenticeship program.
Dispatch requests must generally be submitted at least 72 hours in advance, excluding weekends and holidays.
Even when a project involves fewer than 40 journeyman hours, a DAS 142 may still be required. For these shorter projects, apprentices may be requested in increments of less than eight hours.
Contractors should retain copies of their dispatch requests and proof of submission as part of their public works compliance records.

View/Download DAS 142 Form

How Do I Know If My Craft Is Apprenticeable?

Not every type of work performed on a California public works project is apprenticeable. Contractors should determine whether their work involves an apprenticeable craft before evaluating the applicable apprenticeship requirements.

1. Check the Prevailing Wage Determination

One of the easiest ways to identify an apprenticeable craft is to review the applicable California DIR prevailing wage determination.

Look for the pound sign (#) next to the craft name.

For example:

Craft: Carpenter #

The # symbol indicates that the craft is apprenticeable. This is also explained in the notes of the prevailing wage determination.

2. Verify the Applicable Apprenticeship Program

Contractors can use the California Division of Apprenticeship Standards' online directory to identify approved apprenticeship programs serving the applicable craft and project location.

3. Review the Apprenticeship Requirements

Once an apprenticeable craft has been identified, contractors should review the applicable DAS 140 notification requirements, DAS 142 dispatch procedures, apprenticeship ratios, and approved program standards.

Important: If the applicable determination does not display a # symbol, or the craft's apprenticeship status is unclear, contractors should verify the requirements with the California Division of Apprenticeship Standards rather than assuming apprenticeship obligations do not apply.

When Are Multiple Apprentices Needed?

Required Hours

One apprentice may not be

able to cover all required hours within the project schedule.

Crew Size

Program-specific staffing ratios may require additional apprentices.

Multiple Crafts

Each apprenticeable craft has separate requirements to evaluate.

The number of apprentices needed on a public works project depends on the applicable apprenticeship requirements, the number of journeymen working, anticipated work hours, and the approved apprenticeship program's standards.

Keep Your Public Works Documentation Organized

California apprenticeship compliance involves more than submitting a single form. Contractors must also manage apprenticeship requests, track applicable hours, retain proof of submission, and organize supporting project documentation throughout the life of the project.

At Golden Poppy Ledger & Co., we provide hands-on administrative support to California construction contractors navigating certified payroll and public works compliance requirements.

Our services may include certified payroll reporting, DAS 140 and DAS 142 documentation support, apprenticeship and training contribution reporting support, compliance recordkeeping, and subcontractor documentation coordination.

Need dependable support with your public works reporting requirements?

Contact Golden Poppy

Official California DIR Resources

Educational & Compliance Disclaimer

Information is provided for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or a determination of regulatory compliance. Requirements vary by project, craft, location, and applicable apprenticeship program. Contractors remain responsible for verifying requirements and meeting their legal obligations. Consult current California DIR/DAS guidance and qualified professionals when needed.