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In a positive step for regional workforce development efforts, the Missouri House has passed bipartisan legislation (HB 1038) that incentivizes businesses in the state to increase the number of internship and apprenticeship opportunities they provide.
In partnership with Greater St. Louis, Inc., Missouri Representative Brad Christ introduced the Intern and Apprenticeship Recruitment Act earlier this legislative session. Because many Missourians get their start in the workforce through internships and apprenticeships, the Intern and Apprentice Recruitment Act will help talent recruitment and retention efforts in the St. Louis metro and across the state.
Said Greater St. Louis, Inc. Vice President of Government Relations Adam Kazda:
“In the St. Louis metro and throughout the state, talent attraction and retention is a priority for the business community. The Intern and Apprentice Recruitment Act creates another tool to strengthen our workforce development efforts.
“Based on national data, increasing the number of internships in Missouri will help the state retain more graduates of Missouri colleges and universities, thereby increasing workforce numbers. As more businesses turn to apprentice models to fill their workforce needs, the state should double down on its success in apprenticeships."
Read more about the Intern and Apprentice Recruitment Act through this issue paper from our public policy initiative, ChamberSTL.