Governor signs apprenticeship tax credit program bill

Gov. Steve Bullock held a ceremonial bill signing in Great Falls on Thursday for his apprenticeship tax credit program, which he hopes will encourage businesses to grow, create jobs and build employee skills. "Small businesses are the heart of Montana's economy and the job creators of today and tomorrow," Bullock stated in a news release about House Bill 308. He said the bill is another opportunity to help employers have access to a trained workforce to aid growth of Montana businesses and boost earning potential for Montanans statewide. HB 308 will provide Treasure State businesses with a $750 tax credit for every person hired where the worker is offered on-the-job training through the Montana Apprenticeship unit. For every veteran hired and given an apprenticeship opportunity, businesses will be provided a $1,500 tax credit. The apprenticeship tax credit will allow veterans to use skills and leadership they learned while serving in the military to industry sectors.