Who Qualifies as a Transitional Worker in Los Angeles?

A Straightforward Guide for Contractors Navigating Local Hire Rules

If you’re working on a city-funded public works job in Los Angeles, you’ve probably come across this requirement:

“10% of all project hours must be performed by Transitional Workers.”

But what exactly is a Transitional Worker? And how do you know who qualifies?

This guide simplifies the definition, offers real-life examples, and gives you tools to connect with qualified workers using trusted resources like LocalHire.us.

Why It Matters

The City of Los Angeles Local Hire Program requires contractors to hire both Local Residents and Transitional Workers for many public construction projects.

If you don’t meet these goals, you could face:

• Withheld payments

• Delayed approvals

• Difficulty bidding on future city contracts

Need a refresher on how the Local Hire Program works overall?
Read our full breakdown here:
What Is the Local Hire Program in Los Angeles?

What Is a Transitional Worker?

A Transitional Worker (TW) is a person who:

• Lives in the City of Los Angeles, and

• Faces at least one barrier to employment as defined by the City

The idea is to create job opportunities for LA residents who need them most—people who are often overlooked or underrepresented in the workforce.

Who Qualifies as a Transitional Worker?

A Transitional Worker must:

• Live in the City of Los Angeles, and

• Meet at least one of the approved “barriers to employment” categories

Here’s a simplified checklist with examples:

How to Verify Transitional Worker Status

You should always collect documentation that confirms:

• Proof of residency in the City of Los Angeles

• Evidence of at least one qualifying barrier, such as:

  • Unemployment history

  • Public assistance documentation

  • Apprenticeship registration

  • Referral letters from a WorkSource Center or Community-Based Organization (CBO)

This documentation may be reviewed during city audits, so keep digital records organized and accessible.

Why This Matters for Contractors

If you're awarded a public job under the City of LA, you’ll be required to:

• Make sure 30% of total work hours go to local residents

• Ensure 10% of those hours go to qualified Transitional Workers

Missing the mark can mean:

• Payment delays

• City audits

• Trouble qualifying for future contracts

That’s why it’s important to understand the rules and track your hires early.

Where to Find Transitional Workers

You're not on your own—there are great resources to help you connect with qualified candidates.

Start here:

• LocalHire.Us – This is your go-to resource for understanding the program, finding Transitional Workers, and connecting with approved hiring partners.

Other Helpful Channels:

• WorkSource Centers – City-run job centers that partner with LocalHire.Us to match eligible workers to construction jobs.

• Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) – Nonprofits like Chrysalis, Homeboy Industries, and GRID Alternatives train and refer job-ready Transitional Workers.

• Union Apprenticeship Programs – Some unions keep a list of new apprentices under 1,000 hours—many of whom qualify as TWs.

Pro Tips for Staying Compliant

• Ask early. During onboarding, ask if the worker may qualify as a Transitional Worker.

• Use WorkSource or CBO referrals. These organizations often help with documentation.

• Keep track of hours. Make sure you’re tracking work hours by classification and TW status.

• Submit required reports. Many city contracts require monthly Local Hire reports.

Hiring Transitional Workers isn’t just a box to check—it’s an opportunity to support your community and keep your project in good standing with the City of Los Angeles.

Still have questions?
We built DavisBaconSolutions.com to simplify all of this for everyday contractors.

Need help getting started or verifying a worker’s status?
Contact us or visit LocalHire.us for the tools and resources you need.