AUGUSTA – The Legislature’s Labor Committee voted to advance a measure sponsored by Rep. Kilton Webb, D-Durham, that would strengthen Maine's pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship programs. The committee vote was 5-2, of those present.
Under the amended version of the bill, as funds become available, the Maine Apprenticeship Program would have the ability to make grants available to support certified pre-apprenticeship training programs designed to train 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 gain feedback on what is working well, what could be improved and what is needed to expand these programs. The MDOL would then be required to submit a report with their findings to the Labor Committee by January 15, 2026.
“I am thankful to the Labor Committee for their work in passing LD 1117,” said Webb. “Pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship programs are the key to a better future for a lot of Mainers. We are at a pivotal moment in which our trade workforce is declining, and we don’t have enough skilled workers to fill these roles. As someone who has benefited from these programs, I know how pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship programs can strengthen our trade workforce and help to alleviate our worker shortage as many people in the trades begin to age out of the industry.”
A 2024 report published by the MDOL shows that pre-apprenticeship programs have seen significant growth in the last few years, with over 1,000 Mainers completing programs since 2023. An additional 379 Mainers have completed registered apprenticeship programs. Both types of programs are particularly effective in engaging women and underrepresented populations.
The measure will face votes in the full House and Senate in the coming weeks.
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