2026 Maryland Apprenticeship Awards - Office of Apprenticeship
Nominations accepted now through March 27, 2026
More than ever, apprenticeships are helping Maryland employers develop a highly-skilled workforce and are offering workers an outstanding opportunity to earn while they learn. The Maryland Department of Labor (MD Labor) is holding the 5th annual Maryland Apprenticeship Awards to recognize exemplary participants in Maryland apprenticeships and highlight apprenticeship as an outstanding workforce development model.
Nomination and Award Process:
Complete the online nomination form here. Self-nominations and nominations made by others are welcomed. Nominations from all industries, backgrounds, and areas of the state are strongly encouraged. Award winners will be announced during the statewide celebration of National Apprenticeship Week.
Guidelines
Nominees must be in good standing with the U.S. Department of Labor and MD Labor to be considered. All Registered Apprenticeships and Youth Apprenticeships are approved through MD Labor's Maryland Apprenticeship and Training Council. More information on Maryland Registered Apprenticeships is available at www.labor.maryland.gov/employment/ appr/ More information on Youth Apprenticeship in Maryland is available at www.labor.maryland.gov/employment/ appr/youthappr.shtml.
Award Categories
MD Labor is seeking nominations for outstanding apprenticeship activities in 7 categories:
- Apprentice - An outstanding Registered Apprentice who has had a significant achievement, overcome adversity, or made a lasting positive impact on others. Nominees must be individuals who are currently Maryland Registered Apprentices at the time of the submission.
- Business - A business/employer who has made a significant commitment to Apprenticeship and/or made a lasting positive impact on an industry, mentors, journeyworkers or apprentices. Nominees must be active and in good standing, and participating in Maryland Registered Apprenticeship or the Apprenticeship Maryland Program (AMP/Youth Apprenticeship).
- Program - A Program/Registered Apprenticeship Sponsor who makes meaningful contributions to Registered Apprenticeship, including support for apprentices, effectiveness in meeting the training and industry needs of an employer, and overall contribution to the Maryland economy. Nominees must be active Maryland Registered Apprenticeship Sponsors in good standing.
- Mentor - A mentor/journeyperson who has provided exceptional training, supervision, and mentorship that has helped further the growth and development of apprentices and Apprenticeship programs. Nominees must be individuals who serve or served as mentors/ journeypersons under a Maryland Registered Apprenticeship program or the Apprenticeship Maryland Program (AMP/Youth Apprenticeship)
- Youth Apprentice - An outstanding Youth Apprentice who has had a significant achievement, overcome adversity, or made a lasting positive impact on others. Nominees must be active apprentices in a Maryland Registered Apprenticeship or the Apprenticeship Maryland Program (AMP/Youth Apprenticeship) at the time of nomination.
- Local Workforce Board - A Local Workforce Development Board who has made significant contributions to Maryland's Apprenticeship system by supporting apprentices, employers, sponsors, or other partners. Nominees must be one of Maryland's thirteen Local Workforce Development Boards.
- Apprenticeship Champions and Unsung Heroes - A category for the special and exceptional champions of Apprenticeship and unsung heroes who might not fit in the categories above, but who deserve to be recognized. Nominees can be organizations or individuals, provided they have a strong connection to Apprenticeship in Maryland. Examples include, but are not limited to: teachers, community organizations, workforce intermediaries, administrative support personnel, business managers, or other Apprenticeship-supporting members of the community.