A proposal aimed at creating apprenticeships for teens passed the state House of Representatives late Friday night, and state Rep. Marilyn Giuliano, an ardent proponent of the measure, was a key supporter.
Giuliano (R-23), an Assistant Republican Leader, said, “This bill will link business people to teens all throughout the state of Connecticut, in an effort to cultivate real life job skills in our youth.”
“I was approached by several successful business owners within the marine, retail, manufacturing and hospitality industries, all of whom were willing and eager to invest in teens seeking career training. These business owners believed in this apprenticeship concept and felt that creating a career ladder for our youth would be an invaluable investment in the future of our teens. This bill helps us develop teens into trained young workers,” said Giuliano.
The bill, House Bill 5559, was modeled after the Step Up Program instituted by the CT Department of Labor to focus on career development and apprenticeship opportunities. The Step Up program helps small businesses hire unemployed adults and expand the workforce.
The bill now awaits approval in the Senate.
Editor’s Note: Giuliano represents the 23rd district covering Lyme, Old Lyme, Old Saybrook and Westbrook