A bill is out there to provide tax credits for training apprentices. But why does that make them want to work for us, asks Frank Blau?
Some people in the industry are all excited about H.R. 1824, the Skilled Workforce Enhancement Act (SWEA). It's a proposal that's been kicking around in Congress for more than a year to provide a $15,000-a-year tax credit for each employee trained by a small business in a "highly skilled trade." My understanding is that it remains doubtful whether the bill will ever get passed.
If it does, my firm would be happy to pocket the $15,000-per-man government subsidy. Who in their right mind would turn down such a bonanza? But I'd hold my nose while I'm doing it: This legislation represents what is wrong with the business world in general and our industry most particularly.