Bill > HB4153

This bill, titled the "West Virginia Skilled and Ready to Work Internship and Apprenticeship Incentive Act," aims to boost the state's economy by providing financial incentives to employers who train skilled workers through internships and apprenticeships. It defines a "Qualified Internship or Apprenticeship" as a paid work-based learning experience, registered with the state or federal government, that offers training in high-demand fields like advanced manufacturing, IT, healthcare, and skilled trades, and requires at least 120 hours of on-the-job training and skill development. An "Eligible Employer" is a business subject to West Virginia income tax that pays interns or apprentices at least the state minimum wage. The core provision is a tax credit for eligible employers, allowing them to claim 50% of wages paid to qualified interns or apprentices, up to $10,000 per person annually, with a total employer credit limit of $150,000 per year, and any unused credit can be carried forward for two years. To access this credit, employers must get their programs certified by the West Virginia Department of Economic Development and submit annual reports detailing their intern and apprentice programs, with the department empowered to create rules for administering the act, while specifically excluding certain entry-level positions like retail sales, food service, and general customer service from qualifying for the credit.

Transportation and Infrastructure

http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=4153&year=2026&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill