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Legislature advances apprenticeship rules to formalize Guam Registered Apprenticeship Program
Summary
Lawmakers advanced Bill 237-38 to adopt administrative rules for the Guam Registered Apprenticeship Program, highlighting workforce development benefits and raising questions about oversight and political activity by participating employers.
The legislature voted to place Bill 237‑38—adopting administrative rules for the Guam Registered Apprenticeship Program (GARP)—on the third reading file after senators described the program's potential to expand workforce training and urged vigilant oversight.
Sponsor Senator Tidy said the rules finalize procedures for employer tax‑credit certification, safeguards against fraud, and program eligibility, aligning local standards with the U.S. Department of Labor's registered apprenticeship framework. Senators praised the program as a mechanism to address skills shortages and create career pathways, noting that in fiscal year 2024 GRAP authorized roughly $12.6 million in tax credits supporting 410 apprentices across 32 companies.
During floor discussion one senator raised a political‑activity concern after observing campaign signage at an employer receiving apprenticeship tax benefits, asking the Department of Labor to investigate whether taxpayer‑supported employees or property were being used for political campaigns. Other senators emphasized program oversight and urged broader employer participation to build pipelines into construction, health care and other priority areas.
The sponsor moved the bill to the third reading file; the motion carried. Lawmakers said they expect continued monitoring and reporting from the Department of Labor to guard against abuse and ensure program goals are met.
