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4/4/2016
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Rep. Ackerman wants to abolish fees for trade and industry apprenticeship programs
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 STATE HOUSE — Rep. Mia Ackerman (D-Dist. 45, Cumberland, Lincoln) has introduced legislation to abolish fees for the state’s apprenticeship programs.
The bill (2016-H 7889) would repeal the $120 apprenticeship program fee that is currently paid by each program sponsor and it would also repeal the $24 apprenticeship registration fee which shall be paid by each indentured apprentice.
“The whole purpose of the trade and industry apprenticeship program is to encourage employers to establish apprenticeships,” said Representative Ackerman. “Having a fee associated with the program is a poor way to promote something that is really a great opportunity for young people to obtain employment training.”
Preparing youth for the business and political world has long been an issue of importance to Representative Ackerman, who established a Youth Advisory Committee in her district. The committee encourages civic duty in young people by helping them participate in the process of government.
In 2013, the General Assembly passed a law introduced by Representative Ackerman that allows students to train during school hours in approved manufacturing career and technical programs.
“With a difficult job market, programs like these open up another avenue to the youth of our state and give them opportunities to gain real, hands-on experience in trades and industry,” said Representative Ackerman. “And having a trained and prepared workforce goes a long way in improving the economy.”
The bill, which is cosponsored by Rep. Patricia Serpa (D-Dist. 27, West Warwick, Coventry, Warwick), Rep. Gregg Amore (D-Dist. 65, East Providence), Majority Leader John J. DeSimone (D-Dist. 5, Providence) and Rep. Kathleen A. Fogarty (D-Dist. 35, South Kingstown) has been referred to the House Labor Committee. Similar legislation (2016-S 2852) has been introduced in the Senate by Sen. Frank A. Ciccone III (D-Dist. 7, Providence, North Providence).
For more information, contact:
Daniel Trafford, Publicist
State House Room 20
Providence, RI 02903
(401)222-1922
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