The Division of Employment Standards, Apprenticeship and Mediation is responsible for the administration and enforcement of Kentucky’s minimum wage, overtime, wage payment, child labor, wage discrimination laws and the equal opportunities provisions including the rights of the physically disabled.  The division is charged with investigating allegations of statute and regulation violations and rendering findings in a timely and efficient manner.

The division enforces the state’s prevailing wage laws.  It is responsible for conducting prevailing wage hearings throughout the state, and issuing the appropriate wage determinations consistent with statutory and regulatory requirements.  

The division also promotes and monitors the state’s apprenticeship and training program.  This program is designed to develop and promote on-the-job training and technical instruction in a skilled occupation.

The apprenticeship and training program is empowered by the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training through CFR 29:29, CFR 29:30 and KRS Chapter 343 to register and regulate apprenticeship programs.