COLUMBIA, S.C. — State business leaders are rallying behind legislation they say will address the pressing workforce shortage and create pathways to high-paying careers.
The proposed legislation would increase tax breaks for companies with apprenticeship programs for high schoolers and adults.
According to the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce, companies currently receive a $1,000 annual tax break per apprentice registered with the U.S. Department of Labor.
The proposed legislation seeks to increase these incentives to $4,000 for adult apprentices and $6,000 for high school students.
Jeremy Catoe, Business Solutions Director at Midlands Technical College, addressed the potential barriers for companies in creating such programs.
“They're investing a lot of time and labor hours, and anything we can do to make that burden lighter on companies to encourage them to adopt this type of model is just going to be a big boost for our entire workforce here in the state,” Catoe said.
Bergen Hall is a 20-year-old certified Nationally Registered Paramedic at First Priority Medical Transportation in Cayce.
“It's a rollercoaster, and there's never a boring day, but I love what I do,” Hall said.
Just a year ago, Hall earned $10 per hour as a mechanic assistant. However, after completing the Midlands Technical College's apprenticeship program, his income doubled.
“My friends are still in awe that after leaving a four-year degree program, I’ve been able to accomplish all of this,” Hall said.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the national average salary for apprentices completing a registered program is $80,000.
Hall said he believes this trend is a victory for both students and businesses.
“In this field, it produces more competent providers, better clinicians, and people who have been able to apply their learning outside of the classroom,” Hall said.
Now, business leaders and lawmakers are pushing for more success stories like Hall's.
“When we asked folks what's the biggest challenge facing your business, it's WORKFORCE - it was about 42%,” said Will Frierson with the SC Chamber of Commerce.
“We have a number of companies moving to South Carolina, all competing for similar types of individuals. Apprenticeship programs are a good way to get them in the door and teach them the skills needed for today in the workforce of the future,” Frierson explained.
If signed into law, these changes are anticipated to go into effect on July 1, 2024.
Separate versions of the legislation passed both chambers unanimously earlier this year, with a compromise expected when lawmakers return in January.