AUGUSTA – Rep. Kilton Webb, D-Durham, introduced legislation Tuesday to strengthen Maine's pre-apprenticeship programs before the Legislature’s Labor Committee.
As amended, the measure, LD 1117, would appropriate $8 million in fiscal year 2025-26 for grants to support pre-apprenticeship training programs and for one position in the Department of Labor to manage these grants. These funds must be directed to pre-apprenticeship training programs that train individuals for high-wage, in-demand jobs and may be used for program development, support and staffing for grantees.
“Pre-apprenticeships and apprenticeships are a key method for us to get more people into the trades,” said Webb. “As an electrician myself, I understand just how important it is to train beside somebody who has decades of experience doing that work, which pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship programs make possible. I believe in these programs because they work, and they continue to help Mainers, like myself, land lifelong careers.”
According to a 2024 report published by the Maine Department of Labor, pre-apprenticeship programs have seen significant growth in the state, with over 1,000 Mainers completing programs since 2023, and 379 participants entering registered apprenticeship programs. These programs are particularly effective in engaging women and underrepresented populations.
The Labor Committee will hold a work session on the bill 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