Committee Reviews Manufacturing, Trades Workforce Bill

The legislature’s Higher Education and Employment Advancement Committee is considering a measure expanding the apprenticeship tax credit for manufacturing and trades companies.

SB 302 also establishes a pilot program for students in grades four to six interested in learning more about career opportunities in the trades.

The program will be modeled as an educational and informative program to help bring awareness to students and their parents about career pathways.

The bill expands existing tax credits for hiring apprentices through a Department of Labor-approved apprenticeship program to additional small businesses already offering programs outside current DOL requirements.

The expansion includes small businesses, such as S-corporations and LLCs, in a broadened variety of trades to qualify for tax credits.

SB 302 expands tax credit opportunities to thousands of small businesses in the construction and manufacturing industries offering comprehensive apprenticeship programs.

“With a growing emphasis on upgrading our electric grid system, building more workforce housing, and making infrastructure investments, it’s essential we have a workforce that can meet those needs,” CBIA’s Paul Amarone told the committee March 5.

“Expanding tax credits to a broader range of businesses in the trades is a logical way to get more young, aspiring tradespersons into a sustainable, well paying career path.” 

For more information, contact CBIA’s Paul Amarone (860.244.1978).