Summary
Guam's legislative committee on labor has introduced Bill 128-35, aimed at extending the tax credit for employers participating in the Guam Registered Apprenticeship Program for an additional five years. This extension is crucial for the 487 apprentices currently enrolled and the 122 employers who sponsor their training, ensuring they have the necessary support to develop skilled labor in various sectors such as telecom, tech, construction, and healthcare.
The tax credit program, which has been in place since 2006, allows employers to offset training costs, thus reducing financial risks associated with on-the-job training. This initiative is part of a broader effort to strengthen the local economy through skilled labor, as highlighted by both Senator Régine Biscoe Lee and Governor Lou Leon Guerrero, who emphasize the importance of partnerships between the private sector and educational programs to keep workers employed and skilled.
Why this matters for apprenticeships
This bill's passage is vital for sustaining registered apprenticeship programs in Guam, as it directly supports employers in training skilled workers while also ensuring that apprentices continue to gain valuable on-the-job experience. By extending the tax credit, the program fosters a robust workforce development strategy that aligns with the needs of the local economy.
Made in the USA.