AUGUSTA — Senator Chip Curry, D-Belfast, introduced Thursday a bill to support the trades and apprenticeship programs.

LD 241, “An Act To Support the Trades through a Tax Credit for Apprenticeship Programs,” was the subject of a public hearing before the Legislature’s Taxation Committee.

“Here in Waldo County, I see firsthand just how hard it is for folks to find good paying jobs,” said Senator Curry. “At the same time, I hear from employers who can’t find people with the specific skill sets they require. We are rightly proud of the Maine work ethic. However in an economy that changes this quickly, we need to help prepare our youth and adults transitioning to new careers for the jobs of today and tomorrow.

“LD 241 will provide us with another tool to provide local training for local jobs, and encourage the next generation of Mainers to live, work and raise a family here.”

The legislation would provide incentives to employers to participate in apprenticeship programs by allowing them to receive an income tax credit of $2,500.

It also provides for a partial credit if the employer employs a participating apprentice for fewer than 2,000 hours during the taxable year.

LD 241 faces further action in the Taxation Committee.

The legislation is co-sponsored by Senator Benjamin Chipman of Cumberland, Speaker Ryan Fecteau of Biddeford, Senator Louis Luchini of Hancock, Senator Matthew Pouliot of Kennebec, Senator Heather Sanborn of Cumberland and Representative Bruce White of Waterville.