AUGUSTA – Legislation sponsored by Rep. Kilton Webb, D-Durham, to strengthen Maine’s pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship programs received initial support from the Maine House of Representatives on Monday and the Maine Senate on Tuesday. The measure received final, bipartisan approval by the Maine House on Wednesday.
Under the amended version of the bill, the Maine Apprenticeship Program would have the ability to make grants available to support certified pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship training programs designed to prepare individuals for high-wage, in-demand jobs.
Further, the Maine Department of Labor (MDOL) would be required to convene with stakeholders in the certified pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship community to address challenges and find ways to expand these programs. The MDOL would then be required to submit a report with their findings to the Legislature’s Labor Committee by Jan. 15, 2026.
“Pre-apprenticeships and apprenticeships are a key method for us to get more people into the trades, which we desperately need,” said Webb. “As an electrician, I’ve benefited greatly from these programs and have been able to achieve financial security because of them. It is crucial that these programs are expanded to help even more Mainers enter the trade workforce.”
Webb is serving his first term in the Maine House and represents House District 98, which includes Durham, Pownal and portions of Lisbon, Bowdoin and Topsham. He serves on the Legislature's Energy, Utilities and Technology Committee.
Contact:
Brian Lee (Webb) | 305-965-2744