{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "rows": [["https://web.archive.org/web/20140918210155/http://www.collins.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=b27b5107-10e6-4443-85c5-963274b8cc47", "Sens. Cantwell, Collins Introduce Legislation to Promote Job Training through Apprenticeships", "2014-09-15", "2014", "2014-09", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Susan Collins (R-ME) have introduced legislation that would help American workers get training for good-paying, high-demand\u00a0 jobs and ensure that U.S. companies have a steady supply of highly-skilled workers\u00a0 to stay competitive in a 21st century global economy.   \u00a0   The bipartisan Apprenticeship and Jobs Training Act of 2014 would create a $5,000 tax incentive for employers that use apprenticeship programs to train workers in high-demand fields such as health care, manufacturing and technology. It also would allow veterans in apprenticeships to get credit for previous military training and experience.   \u00a0   In a 2011 survey by the National Association of Manufacturers, 67 percent of industrial companies reported a moderate to severe shortage of qualified workers. More than 65 percent of companies surveyed in a 2009 Urban Institute study thought apprenticeship programs helped raise productivity, strengthen morale and improve worker safety.   \u00a0   \u201cThis bill will help close the skills gap and give more American workers the training they need to power economic growth,\u201d Senator\u00a0Cantwell said. \u201cBuilding the skills of America\u2019s workers is a strong investment in our nation\u2019s future. Apprenticeships have proven to be a win-win: They help companies find skilled workers and they allow workers to earn a paycheck while learning skills on the job.\u201d   \u00a0   \u201cFew issues are as important to the American people as the availability of good jobs in our communities,\u201d\u00a0Senator Collins said.\u00a0 \u201cI have met with many business owners in Maine who have jobs available but cannot find qualified and trained workers to fill these vacant positions.\u00a0 This bill would help better align the needs of our nation's employers with potential employees to promote hiring and the creation of new jobs.\u201d   \u00a0   \u201cThis is a critical bill which addresses one of the manufacturing community\u2019s greatest needs \u2013 skilled workers,\u201d said Patrick Shrader, Vice President at Arundel Machine Tool located in Arundel, Maine. \u201cOn behalf of all manufacturers in Maine, we thank Senator Collins for her leadership to strengthen manufacturing in America. With so many in our industry set to retire in the coming years, we need to refill the manufacturing pipeline and this bill will help companies in Maine compete globally today and for years to come.\u201d\u00a0   \u00a0   Apprenticeship programs benefit both the company and employee, and also often lead to higher-paying jobs that help sustain the economy. Those who complete apprenticeships earn an average of $240,000 more in lifetime wages than job seekers with similar backgrounds who don\u2019t, according to a study by the Department of Labor.   \u00a0   The legislation would:   \u00a0\n \nCreate a $5,000 tax credit for up to three years for companies that hire and pay employees enrolled in a federal- or state-registered apprentice program.\u00a0 The apprentice must be employed for at least 7 months before the credit can be claimed.\u00a0\n\u00a0Allow senior employees near retirement to draw from pensions early if they\u2019re involved in mentoring or training new employees. Workers must be at least 55, and have reduced work hours to spend at least 20 percent of their time training or educating employees or students. \u00a0\nHelp veterans get into skilled jobs that match their military experience sooner by allowing credit in apprenticeship requirements for previous military training.\n \n\u00a0The legislation is designed to address a skills gap that has developed as new technologies emerge and increasing numbers of experienced Baby Boomers retire.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"]], "columns": ["url", "title", "date", "year", "month", "party", "chamber", "state", "member_name", "bioguide_id", "domain", "scraper", "source", "date_source", "text", "has_text", "collected_at", "updated_at"], "primary_keys": ["url"], "primary_key_values": ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140918210155/http://www.collins.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=b27b5107-10e6-4443-85c5-963274b8cc47"], "units": {}, "query_ms": 0.9353829082101583, "source": "dwillis/congress-press", "source_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press", "license": "MIT", "license_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press/blob/main/LICENSE"}