An Act To Strengthen Maine'S Workforce Through Preapprenticeship Training Programs

This bill modifies funding for Maine's preapprenticeship training programs by removing a one-time transfer from the state's general fund and replacing it with a new source of federal money. For the fiscal years 2024-25 and 2025-26, the Office of Policy Innovation and the Future is tasked with directing up to $12 million to the Maine Apprenticeship Program. These funds are intended to support grants for preapprenticeship training, which help individuals prepare for skilled jobs in high-demand fields. The money would come from a portion of federal grants related to infrastructure, clean energy, and technology that are available for workforce development starting in July 2024.