Cantwell, Collins Introduce Apprenticeship Bill to Address Workforce Skills Gap

Press Release

U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Susan Collins (R-ME) have introduced legislation that would help American workers develop skills they need for well-paying, high-demand jobs and ensure that U.S. companies have enough highly-skilled workers to stay competitive in a 21st century global economy.

The bipartisan Apprenticeship and Jobs Training Act of 2015 would create a $5,000 tax credit for employers that use apprenticeship programs to train workers in high-demand fields such as health care, manufacturing and technology. The bill, S. 959, also would allow veterans in apprenticeships to get credit for previous military training and experience.

"A skilled workforce is critical to powering economic growth and ensuring U.S. workers and businesses stay competitive in an increasingly globalized economy," Cantwell said. "This legislation builds on the success of apprenticeship programs in Washington state and elsewhere that help businesses find and develop a skilled workforce and allow workers to earn a salary while getting on-the-job training."

"Unemployment and underemployment are still far too high both in Maine and across our nation," Collins said. "This bipartisan legislation not only facilitates direct investment into the career development of the next generation through apprenticeships but also helps American small businesses find and train the qualified and trusted workers they need. A strong and dynamic workforce is the most valuable asset for any employer, and with this program, our nation's employers would be in a better position to find the skilled-workforce they need to create new, good-paying jobs."

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