In California’s construction industry, compliance with state apprenticeship laws is not just good practice—it’s the law. The das 140 form plays a critical role in ensuring that contractors working on public works projects meet their obligations to hire and train apprentices. Failing to complete and submit the form correctly can result in delays, penalties, and possible disqualification from future projects.
This guide will walk you through exactly what information is required on the DAS 140, why it matters, and how to complete it without errors. Whether you are a seasoned contractor or preparing for your first public works project, understanding this form is essential to staying compliant and avoiding costly mistakes.
Understanding the DAS 140 Form
The DAS 140—short for Department of Apprenticeship Standards Form 140—is a mandatory document under California’s public works apprenticeship requirements. It notifies approved apprenticeship programs of your need for apprentices and your intention to hire them for a specific public works job.
Under California Labor Code Section 1777.5, contractors must submit the DAS 140 within 10 working days of signing a contract or subcontract for a public works project. This form ensures that registered apprenticeship programs are aware of upcoming work and can provide qualified apprentices accordingly.
Why the DAS 140 Form Is Important
The DAS 140 serves several important purposes for contractors, apprenticeship programs, and the state:
- Compliance with state laws – It ensures that your company meets the legal requirement to employ apprentices on public works projects.
- Facilitates workforce development – It allows apprenticeship programs to connect you with trained apprentices who meet industry standards.
- Avoidance of penalties – Timely and accurate filing of the DAS 140 prevents fines or disqualification from future projects.
- Transparency – It creates a record that you have notified appropriate programs of apprenticeship opportunities.
Failure to submit a DAS 140 or providing incomplete information could lead to citations from the California Division of Apprenticeship Standards (DAS).
Key Information Required on the DAS 140 Form
When filling out the DAS 140, accuracy is crucial. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the information you’ll need to provide.
1. Contractor and Subcontractor Details
At the top of the DAS 140, you must clearly identify your business:
- Company Name – The full legal name of your contracting business.
- License Number – Your valid California contractor’s license number.
- Address – Your physical business address.
- Contact Information – Phone number, email address, and fax number (if applicable).
- Point of Contact – The person responsible for apprenticeship compliance within your company.
This section ensures apprenticeship programs know exactly who is requesting apprentices and how to contact them.
2. Public Works Project Details
The DAS 140 must include precise information about the project you are working on:
- Project Name – As listed on the contract or bid documents.
- Project Number – If applicable, such as a bid or job reference number.
- Awarding Body – The government agency or entity that awarded the project.
- Project Location – The city or address where the work will be performed.
- Bid/Contract Number – Reference to the official public works contract.
Providing complete and correct project details helps the apprenticeship program identify the work and ensure timely placement of apprentices.
3. Estimated Start and Completion Dates
You must specify:
- Start Date – The date you plan to begin work on the project.
- Completion Date – Your anticipated project end date.
Accurate scheduling information allows apprenticeship programs to coordinate apprentice availability for the duration of your work.
4. Craft or Trade Information
This is one of the most important parts of the DAS 140:
- Trade Name – The specific trade you need apprentices for (e.g., carpenter, electrician, plumber).
- Apprentice Program – The name of the approved apprenticeship program you are notifying.
- Scope of Work – A brief description of the tasks the apprentice will perform.
- Number of Apprentices Needed – An estimate based on project size and labor requirements.
Be sure to list only trades that are relevant to your scope of work for this project.
5. Type of Submission
The DAS 140 form allows you to indicate the type of notification:
- Apprentices Requested – If you are actively seeking apprentices for the project.
- Information Only – If you have the capacity to train apprentices but are not requesting them at the moment.
- Union or Non-Union Status – Specify if you are notifying a union-affiliated or non-union program.
Choosing the correct type ensures that the apprenticeship program responds appropriately to your submission.
6. Signature and Date
The form must be signed by an authorized company representative:
- Signature – Confirms the accuracy of the information provided.
- Printed Name – Clearly write the name of the signatory.
- Title/Position – Their role within the company.
- Date – The date of form completion.
An unsigned or undated DAS 140 will be considered incomplete and may lead to compliance issues.
Best Practices for Completing the DAS 140
Submitting a DAS 140 isn’t just about filling in blanks—it’s about ensuring clarity, accuracy, and compliance. Here are some tips:
Double-Check All Information
Even minor errors, such as a wrong project number, can cause confusion or delays in apprentice placement.
Submit to All Relevant Programs
You are required to send the DAS 140 to every approved apprenticeship program in the geographic area of the project for the trades you are using.
Keep Proof of Submission
Retain a copy of the form along with proof that it was sent (e.g., certified mail receipt, email confirmation).
Submit Early
While the law allows 10 working days, early submission gives apprenticeship programs more time to respond and schedule apprentices.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many contractors face compliance problems due to avoidable errors when completing the DAS 140. Watch out for:
- Incomplete project details – Missing project names, numbers, or awarding body information.
- Wrong apprenticeship program – Not all programs cover every trade or region.
- Late submission – Filing after the 10-working-day deadline.
- Failing to request apprentices when needed – This can lead to violations of apprentice-to-journeyman ratios.
How the DAS 140 Fits into Public Works Compliance
The DAS 140 is just one part of the apprenticeship compliance process. Contractors must also:
- Submit a DAS 142 form when they actually request apprentices for a project.
- Follow apprentice-to-journeyman ratios on the job site.
- Pay prevailing wages as required by California’s Labor Code.
By integrating the DAS 140 into your project startup process, you ensure that compliance is built into your operations from day one.
Conclusion
The DAS 140 form is far more than a routine administrative requirement—it is a vital link between contractors, apprenticeship programs, and California’s skilled workforce. By providing accurate contractor information, detailed project data, clear trade requirements, and timely submission, you not only meet state compliance standards but also contribute to the development of future construction professionals.
Filling out the DAS 140 correctly ensures smoother project execution, avoids costly penalties, and strengthens your company’s reputation as a responsible and law-abiding contractor. For every public works project you undertake, make the DAS 140 a priority in your compliance checklist—your business, your workforce, and the state’s construction industry will all benefit.
