DS, you just got fiddled by the fickle finger of fate.
Prevailing wage schedules apply only to those who are either journeymen, or actually enrolled apprenticed in a DOL recognised apprenticeship program.
Everyone else gets whatever their usual wage would be.
In short, your employer is a skunk. Get into a program, and find a reputable employer.
And for all you employers out there- this is one of those situations where "the law" is seen as unfair by the employee, and influences his opinion come election time....
