BIDDEFORD — A change to a Maine law last year allows minors enrolled in Career and Technical Education to work careers considered to be hazardous.

Biddeford High School Sam Roy who studies welding at the Biddeford Regional Center of Technology, and earned advanced professional welding certifications, has taken advantage of the legislative amendment and currently works part time at DeepWater Buoyancy, a company that designs,  manufactures and sells subsea bouyancy products.

When company mangers met Roy last year they wanted to hire him but couldn’t because of the laws at that time.

“We needed a change in the law. This is a case of government and business taking a hard look at workforce needs and saying ok — how can we fix this. When we met Sam, and saw his work, DeepWater Buoyancy knew he would be an asset to the company and good welders in Maine are in short supply,” said Matthew Henry, co-owner and plant manager.

Legislators from Biddeford and Scarborough led the way to create legislation that would allow Roy and others like him the possibility to work before turning 18.

Independent Rep. Martin Grohman of Biddeford, Republican Sen. Amy Volk of Scarborough, and Democratic Rep.Ryan Fecteau of Biddeford proposed changes to the Hazardous Occupations Law for Minors. The trio introduced a change in the language for student learners enrolled in a course of study and training in a cooperative or vocational training program recognized by the state.

“This is when the Legislature is at its best, working across party lines to do what’s in the best interests of our citizens,” Grohman said.. I am thankful to both Representative Fecteau and Senator Volk who stepped in at the Legislature’s Labor Commerce Research and Economic Development to change the law.”

The amendment, makes it possible for students enrolled in an approved Career and Technical Training program to learn and earn in their chosen field in preparation for advanced training and employment after graduation. According to Grohman, the work must be incremental and under the direct supervision of a qualified and experienced mentor. 

In order for students to be placed into a work study setting, COT Director, Paulette Bonneau, they must have completed certain industry benchmarks in their chosen trades, be nominated by their instructor, be in good academic standing, and have completed the required industry assessments to qualify for a paid extended learning opportunity.

“In the case of Sam Roy, he earned his American Welding Certification at the end of his junior year. Now on the job in the first half of his day he earns a paycheck on the job and comes back to school to meet with his instructor on a weekly basis to review what he’s learned. He obtains course credit and still attends his afternoon English class at Biddeford High School,” said Bonneau.