SB295 Alabama 2019 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Arthur OrrSenator

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2019

Title

Alabama Industry Recognized and Registered Apprenticeship Program Act, Alabama Office of Apprenticeship created to administer state programs in lieu of federal office, apprenticeship tax credit and aggregate apprenticeship tax credit increases, Secs. 40-18-422, 40-18-423, 40-18-424 am'd.

Summary

SB 295 creates the Alabama Office of Apprenticeship, launches the AIRRAP model to expand apprenticeships and completion credentials, and increases apprenticeship tax credits through 2025 while keeping Perkins funding with the Department of Education.

What This Bill Does

The bill establishes the Alabama Office of Apprenticeship to certify and register apprenticeship programs and develop the AIRRAP model aligned with in-demand career pathways. It outlines an AIRRAP pathway that starts with preapprenticeships in 9th grade, includes youth registered or industry-recognized apprenticeships in later high school years, and allows graduates to earn a high school diploma, college credits, and a portable credential. It also expands financial incentives for employers by increasing per-apprentice tax credits, raising the overall credit cap, adding a separate youth apprenticeship credit, extending the program through 2025, and affirming that the State Department of Education continues to administer Perkins Act funds.

Who It Affects

• Employers in Alabama who hire apprentices: they may receive higher tax credits (up to $1,250 per apprentice) and a larger annual cap ($7,500,000), plus a $500 per youth apprentice credit for hiring in-school youth; they must register and work with the Alabama Office of Apprenticeship and meet program standards.
• Students and job-seekers in Alabama, especially 9th–12th graders and those pursuing credentials: they gain access to preapprenticeships, youth apprenticeships, and industry-recognized apprenticeships, with opportunities to earn diplomas, college credits, and industry credentials through the AIRRAP model.

Key Provisions

• Creation of the Alabama Office of Apprenticeship within the Department of Commerce to certify programs, set policies for registration/deregistration, resolve disputes, and coordinate with other state entities.
• Establishment of the Alabama Apprenticeship Council to approve standards, ensure equal employment opportunity, oversee deregistration/suspension, and promote outreach and education on apprenticeship benefits.
• Development of the Alabama Industry Recognized and Registered Apprenticeship (AIRRAP) model aligned to in-demand career pathways, with 9th-grade preapprenticeships, 10th–12th-grade youth programs, and completion credentials including diplomas, degrees, and portable credentials; promotion of dual enrollment and work-based learning credits.
• Alignment of required technical instruction and on-the-job training with regional/state in-demand credentials, and collaboration to streamline articulation between high school and community college.
• Tax credit amendments: increase the per-apprentice credit from $1,000 to $1,250 starting 2020, raise the aggregate cap to $7.5 million annually, add a $500 youth apprenticeship credit, extend the credit through 2025, and maintain the credit as nonrefundable with administration by the Department of Revenue in coordination with workforce agencies.
• Continuation of Perkins Act funding administration by the State Department of Education, and enabling the Alabama Office of Apprenticeship to certify industry-recognized and registered apprenticeship programs accordingly.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Alabama Industry Recognized and Registered Apprenticeship Program Act