Proposed apprenticeship changes from the Department of Labor have local workers worried.

Labor leaders joined Congressman Anthony Brindisi in Utica on Wednesday to share their concerns. The rule would create guidelines for industry-regulated apprenticeship programs.

Brindisi supports expanding high-quality apprenticeship programs, but says this rule would undercut regulated union and non-union programs, potentially opening the door for problems.

"They're not going to be held to the same standards that many of the union-backed apprenticeship programs are held to and that could lead to shoddy work, poor safety on the job, and ultimately if we're talking about public infrastructure, all of our safety could be at risk," said Brindisi.

"We understand the need for more apprenticeship programs in some fields, but in the construction industry, it’s way too dangerous to throw together a bunch of bogus apprenticeship programs and let people just do what they want with it," said Tom Zalocha of Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 112 Business Representative.

Brindisi also said scam programs could defraud veterans of their G.I. bill benefits. He's encouraging people to weigh in now during the proposal's comment period.