Bill > LD1117

This bill amends Maine's workforce development legislation to strengthen preapprenticeship training programs by establishing more detailed funding and performance requirements. The bill modifies how the Maine Apprenticeship Program allocates grants for preapprenticeship training, mandating that at least 51% of total grant funding go to programs that successfully engage and enroll individuals from historically marginalized communities, place participants in apprenticeships with a total package value of at least $35 per hour (with annual cost-of-living adjustments), and provide comprehensive support services. The grants can now cover a broader range of expenses, including child care, transportation, training materials, membership fees, tools, personal protective equipment, and stipends to help participants overcome barriers to enrollment and participation. Programs must demonstrate employment of graduates in their field within six months or representation by a labor organization to remain eligible for grants. Additionally, the bill requires the Department of Labor to conduct a comprehensive study of preapprenticeship and apprenticeship programs in Maine and other states by December 2025, with the potential to propose legislation based on the study's findings.

Labor and Employment

https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=1117&snum=132