Extension of Successful Apprenticeship program discussed

A bill to extend a program that officials say has been very successful in building the local workforce was discussed today during the legislative session.

Senator Amanda Shelton's measure would extend the Guam Registered Apprenticeship program, known as "GRAP" for another five years.

She says it has provided valuable opportunities for apprentices in high demand career fields such as telecommunications, engineering, electrical and health care.

Shelton shared, “GRAP has been an effective means by which to keep jobs and people from leaving the island. It is an example of how what was once an innovative program for dealing with the loss of skilled jobs has become a crucial part of the economic tool kit that we rely on to promote the development of new skills to fill new jobs.”

Among those testifying in support of the bill was Labor Director Dave Dellisola.

He had high praise for the program, saying it's been one of the best he's seen for training the local unskilled workforce for career opportunities.

“Apprentices probably has the best retention rate of any regular employee. In fact it's federally recognized that an apprentice has a forty percent better retention rate than a regular employee you hire because you invest in that person and you guide them and work with them and they're usually appreciative to the point where they stay with the company,” He said.

Participating businesses are eligible for tax relief equal to 50-percent of their training costs, which to-date amounts to some $43-million dollars in credits.

The program was initially launched in 2006. Shelton's bill would extend it through 2029.