March 10, 2026 - Minutes of Public Meetings - Apprenticeship and Training Council
Council Members Present
Brian Cavey, Chairman
Neil Wilford, Jr., Employee Representative
Lateefah Durant, Public Representative
Beli Acharya, Public Representative
Brian Courtien, Employee Representative
Grant Shmelzer, Employer Representative
Mina Woo, Employer Representative
Stephanie Anderson, Employer Representative
Chris Hadfield, Employer Representative
Tasha Cornish, Employer Representative
Consultants Present
Tracy Kyttle, Consultant to the Council, Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE)
Note: Prior to the meeting, Employee Representatives Denise Gilmore and Terreia Smalls and Consultants to the Council Ellen Flowers-Fields, Janine Nagrod, and Martin Knott, Jr. all notified Director Chris MacLarion that they would be unable to be in attendance. Council members Beli Acharya, Chris Hadfield, Stephanie Anderson, Tasha Cornish, and Consultant to the Council, Tracy Kyttle all arrived after the meeting was called to order.
Other Attendees
John Feaster, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Divisions of Workforce Development and Adult Learning (DWDAL)
Abigail Olson, Maryland Assistant Attorney General
Christopher D. MacLarion, Director, Office of Apprenticeship (OOA), MD Labor
Jane Sinclair, OOA, MD Labor
Logan Dean, OOA, MD Labor
Sheila Jackson, OOA, MD Labor
Karen Parker, OOA, MD Labor
Aneta Lefterov, OOA, MD Labor
Kevin Hunt, OOA, MD Labor
Pam Luby, OOA, MD Labor
Alicia Dennis, OOA, MD Labor
Marshel Pollock, OOA, MD Labor
Angela Harkness, OOA, MD Labor
Laura Wright, OOA, MD Labor
Rose Fish, OOA, MD Labor
Angela Clark, OOA, MD Labor
Jennifer White, OOA, MD Labor
Coral Newland, OOA, MD Labor
Ellie Marts, DWDAL, MD Labor
Anahitta Mian, DWDAL, MD Labor
Alan Crawley, MD Labor
Jason Papanikolas, Anne Arundel Workforce Development Corporation (AAWDC)
Bekki Leonard, AAWDC
Carl Kushinsky, AAWDC
Dana Sheldon, AAWDC
Kathy Stradley, Maryland Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors National Association (MPHCC)
Mike Kastner, MPHCC
Cheryl Sparco, Ducts Unlimited, Inc.
Michael Sparco, Ducts Unlimited, Inc.
Boni King, Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC)
Christina Ramirez, M-NCPPC
Gwen Montgomery, M-NCPPC
Doreen Shanan - Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC), Metro-Washington
Marc Silvers, ABC, Metro Washington
Nancy Marc-Thrasybule, The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)
Tom Hood, AICPA
Michelle McGuffin, Calvert County Public Schools
Sandy Rooney, Charles County Public Schools
Paul Witter, Montgomery County Government, Department of General Services (DGS)
Ijeoma Oji, Montgomery County Government, DGS
Tony Schaffer, Tustin Mechanical Group
Doug Weidman, Tustin Mechanical Group
Shannon Curtis, FMK Social
Carolyn Curtis, FMK Social
Kathy Kessler, Maryland Plumbing, Heating & Cooling Contractors, Inc
Eric Hill, Crash Champions
Kathy Gress, Hagerstown Community College, Barr Construction Institute
Yvette Butler-Yeboah, GapBuster, Inc
Michael Ewing, Torian Electric, LLC
Brandon Butler, the Maryland Workforce Association (MWA)
Kyle McColgan, BCR Cyber
Kelly Jaszczuk, Caliber Collision
Hannah Paras, PARADORN
Jason Evans, Simple Cell
Caitlin Vallandingham, The Patuxent Partnership
Katie Guy, Reliance Test and Technology
Olivia Aberdeen, The Restaurant Association
Kary MacAdams, Calvert County Government
Rachel Bomar, Tidal Health
Damon Werwie, COA Barret
Renata Scott, St.Agnes Healthcase, Inc
Ama Asamoah, Pattron
Peter Anderson, VSC Fire & Security
Briana Caceres, AMCOR
Delali Dzirasa, Fearless, Inc.
Chairman Cavey called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. at the Southern Maryland Electrical Cooperative (SMECO) JATC, 14950 Cooperative Pl, Hughesville, MD 20637.
Opening Remarks and Introductions
Chairman Cavey welcomed all Council members, staff and guests to the March Maryland Apprenticeship and Training Council (MATC) meeting and asked everyone to introduce themselves.
Following introductions, the Chairman thanked all for attending and gave a special shoutout to Cindy Rauner, Joe Day, Rick Mattingly, and Lisa Oliver from SMECO and thanked them for hosting the meeting and for providing breakfast. He invited them to make any opening remarks.
Ms.Rauner introduced herself as the Chief Administrative Officer at SMECO and welcomed everyone in attendance. She then provided some brief background on SMECO and shared a video that explains more about SMECO and what their lineman Apprenticeship program looks like. She concluded by quickly running through some “house-keeping items” such as how to navigate the building and then turned the floor back over to the Chairman.
The Chairman then turned the floor to Deputy Assistant Secretary Feaster to say a few words on behalf of the Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning (DWDAL) and the Maryland Department of Labor (MD Labor).
Deputy Assistant Secretary Feaster wished everyone a good morning and welcomed them to the March Council meeting. He extended greetings from Secretary Portia Wu and thanked all for being in attendance and contributing to the expansion of quality Apprenticeships in Maryland.
Minutes of the January 13, 2026, Maryland Apprenticeship and Training Council (MATC) Meeting
Mr.Wilford asked the Council if members had an opportunity to review the minutes from the previous meeting and they collectively confirmed that they reviewed the minutes in full.
A motion to approve the January 2026 MATC minutes was made by Mr.Wilford, seconded by Ms.Woo, and unanimously approved at 9:13 a.m. (Employee Representatives Terreia Smalls and Denise Gilmore were not in attendance. Consultants to the Council Ellen Flowers-Fields, Janine Nagrod, and Martin Knott, Jr were also not present.).
Director’s Report
Mr. MacLarion addressed Chairman Cavey, Deputy Assistant Secretary Feaster, Council members and guests and welcomed everyone to the March 2026 MATC meeting. Mr. MacLarion recognized SMECO JATC for all the work they do to run and maintain a high quality Apprenticeship program. Since they were registered in July of 1981, the JATC has completed 90% of all Apprentices they have registered which is an amazing accomplishment. He went on to thank SMECO, IBEW 1718 and the JATC for hosting the meeting and for all of their hard work.
Mr. MacLarion provided an update on the Apprenticeship Training Fund:
Total Fund Balance as of February 28, 2026, after all obligations is $557,142.55
January contributions: $19,611.66
February contributions: $19,584.30
There were no fund expenditures during the period.
Mr.MacLarion also shared that Office of Apprenticeship (OOA) staff is working closely with the Division of Labor and Industry’s (DLI) Prevailing Wage team to audit contractors working on Maryland Prevailing Wage Projects. He said that they have begun the process of auditing contractors working on those projects to ensure they are in compliance with the requirements to contribute to an approved Apprenticeship fund when working on eligible projects.
Mr.MacLarion said that the agenda contains 13 new programs seeking registration of Standards of Apprenticeship. He went on to share that one of those programs, Innovo Construction, will be moved to the agenda for the next meeting. He went on to say that each of the occupations listed on the agenda has had the curriculum reviewed and each of the new programs are seeking registration for occupations previously approved by this Council.
Mr.MacLarion said that OOA staff received some questions and feedback from Council members on a couple of items and that staff has made revisions to clarify information in the Standards and will address those questions when they present. He added that revised documentation was needed in some cases and explained that updated documents and clarifying information has been provided for Council members. Additionally, Mr.MacLarion said that moving forward, staff will clearly list the percentages of time that Related Instruction is in person as well as the percentage of time that virtual instruction is being directly led by an instructor.
Mr.MacLarion shared that OOA staff is currently in the process of completing the last phase of the project to assist Sponsors with licensed occupations in ensuring all of their registered Apprentices are properly licensed. He said that the number of unlicensed Apprentices has plummeted since staff has started audits and now there are less than 7% of all Apprentices in a licensed occupation who appear to not be holding their Apprentice license. He further explained that the number will
slowly reduce to 0 as staff continues direct outreach. He also added that new Apprentices will no longer be registered until they are holding the proper Apprentice license.
Mr.MacLarion said that National Apprenticeship Week will take place from April 26 through May 2 this year and shared that all Registered Apprenticeship Sponsors should have received emails from the OOA to request consideration in submitting a nomination for an Apprentice, employer, program, mentor (Journeyworker), youth Apprentice, Local Area or an Apprenticeship champion to be recognized. He encouraged folks to consider submitting a nomination and said that the date for MD Labor’s signature event will be announced soon.
Mr.MacLarion then concluded his presentation and thanked the Chairman and the Council for their time. He also offered to answer any questions.
A motion to approve the Director’s Report was made by Ms. Shmelzer, seconded by Ms.Durant and unanimously approved (Employee Representatives Terreia Smalls and Denise Gilmore were not in attendance.Consultants to the Council Ellen Flowers-Fields, Janine Nagrod, and Martin Knott, Jr were also not present.).
The Chairman thanked Mr. MacLarion for his report and proceeded to the presentation of agenda items. He welcomed Apprenticeship Navigator, Lynn Stone, to the podium to present Agenda Item 1.
Old Business
Pattron (Lynn Stone) – Request for registration of Standards of Apprenticeship for a new program for the occupation of Network Support Technician. (ITEM 1)
Ms.Stone said that she was joined by Ama Asamoah from Pattron to request the registration of Standards of Apprenticeship for the occupation of Network Support Technician. She provided some additional background information on the program and occupation and offered to answer any questions from the Council.
Ms.Woo said that the selection rubric lists a high school diploma or GED and a certification but does not specify what certification. Ms.Woo asked what that certification would be.
Ms.Stone said that to her understanding, there is no IT certification required but it is prioritized in the selection process.
The Sponsor agreed to modify the language to make it more clear that it is not a requirement to possess an IT certification.
Mr.Wilford asked if they have a 2:1 ratio.
Mr.Maclarion explained that they do have a 2:1 ratio and that due to the RAISE Act legislation from last year, certain occupations are eligible for an expanded ratio of 2:1.
Mr.Wilford expressed his hesitancy regarding the expanded ratio.
Mr.Shmelzer asked how they are evaluating the results of the skills-based assessment? He also asked for clarification on what is involved in the skills-based assessment.
The Sponsor said that the assessment questions come directly from CSI and involved no electrical wiring.
Ms.Durant made a motion to approve this new program with the removal of the language referencing the IT certification as a requirement to entry. The motion was seconded by Ms.Woo and unanimously approved. (Employee Representatives Terreia Smalls and Denise Gilmore were not in attendance.Consultants to the Council Ellen Flowers-Fields, Janine Nagrod, and Martin Knott, Jr were also not present.).
Simple Cell (Rose Fish) – Request for registration of Standards of Apprenticeship and Affirmative Action Plan for a new program for the occupation of Wireless Electronics Technician. (ITEM 2)
Ms.Fish said that she was joined by Mr. Jason Evans and Ms.Serina Daniel from Simple Cell to request the registration of Standards of Apprenticeship and Affirmative Action Plan for a new program for the occupation of Wireless Electronics Technician. She provided some additional background information on the program and occupation and offered to answer any questions from the Council.
Mr.Shmelzer asked how the selection process will work and how they will evaluate basic reading, writing, and arithmetic.
Ms.Fish explained that it is a typo and that the Sponsor has removed that language from their selection process.
Mr.Shmelzer asked if the Apprentice will need reliable transportation to get to the Related Instruction (RTI) site.
The Sponsor said that the RTI will be online.
Mr.Shmelzer asked if the Sponsor will be providing laptops and internet for the students.
Ms.Fish said that the Sponsor will provide those items for students and will add language to clarify that.
Mr.Wilford asked how much of the program will be online and if there is a hands-on component.
The Sponsor said that there is a hands-on component and would like to see at least 50% of the program be in-person.
Mr.Shmelzer asked if the Apprentices will need reliable transportation to get to the job sites.
The Sponsor confirmed that the Apprentices will need reliable transportation and offered to add that language in the Standards.
Mr.Wilford made a motion to approve this new program with the addition of clarifying language surrounding reliable transportation and the ratio of online instruction compared to in-person. Mr.Shmelzer seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved. (Employee Representatives Terreia Smalls and Denise Gilmore were not in attendance.Consultants to the Council Ellen Flowers-Fields, Janine Nagrod, and Martin Knott, Jr were also not present.)
New Business
New Programs
Anne Arundel Workforce Development Corporation (AAWDC) (Rose Fish) – Request for registration of Standards of Apprenticeship and Affirmative Action Plan for a new program for the occupation of IT Generalist. (ITEM 3)
Ms.Fish said that she was joined by Mr.Jason Papanikolas, Mr. Carl Kushinsky, Ms.Bekki Leonard, and Ms.Dana Sheldon from AAWDC to request the registration of Standards of Apprenticeship and Affirmative Action Plan for the occupation ofIT Generalist. She provided some additional background information on the program and occupation and offered to answer any questions from the Council.
Mr.Wilford asked what the IT Generalist occupation is and what they do. He pointed out that, under the competencies, it lists “installs and maintains wired and wireless network” and asked for confirmation that the Apprentices will not be doing any electrical work.
Ms.Fish explained that the occupation covers a lot of different work including network configuring, providing technical assistance to users, but also doing hands-on work physically setting up the networks. She also said that the occupation description most closely matched the title of “IT Generalist” in the ONET system.
Mr.MacLarion said the occupation with the same description has been consistently approved by the Council in the past.
Mr.Wilford asked if the Sponsor would be willing to remove the language within the job description that involved any installation or wiring.
Ms.Cornish explained that a wired network is different from electrical wiring.
Ms.Woo added that the language (terms, titles, jargon, etc.) may mean different things across different industries and suggested that may be the source of confusion.
Ms.Cornish suggested replacing “installing networks” with “configuring networks” to make it clear that the Apprentice will not be doing any electrical wiring.
Ms.Woo pointed out that under qualifications, it mentions an aptitude test and asked if that is a precursor to being accepted into that program.
Ms.Fish explained that it is not a full aptitude test and that the Sponsor has just built in some aptitude-type questions into their interview process to gauge their interest and skill level so that the Sponsor can meet the Apprentice where they are at.
Ms.Woo made a motion to approve this new program with the revision of the language surrounding the installation of networks. Ms.Cornish seconded the motion and the item was approved. Ms.Achayra, Mr.Courtien, and Mr.Wilford all abstained (Employee Representatives Terreia Smalls and Denise Gilmore were not in attendance.Consultants to the Council Ellen Flowers-Fields, Janine Nagrod, and Martin Knott, Jr were also not present.)
Crash Champions (Rose Fish) – Request for registration of Standards of Apprenticeship and Affirmative Action Plan for a new program for the occupations of Auto Body Technician, Automotive Technician, and Repair Planner. (ITEM 4)
Ms.Fish said that she was joined by Mr.Eric Hill from Crash Champions to request the registration of Standards of Apprenticeship for the occupations of Auto Body Technician, Automotive Technician, and Repair Planner of Concrete Form Builder. She provided some additional background information on the program and occupations and offered to answer any questions from the Council.
Mr.Shmelzer pointed out that it lists 6 Apprentices but doesn't say how many Journeyworkers they have.
Ms.Fish explained that the Sponsor is waiting to get confirmation on how many they have at specific locations but are operating under a 1:1 ratio.
Mr.Shmelzer asked how the Sponsor is approaching lab time.
Ms.Rose explained that that particular information was reconfigured and updated documentation has been provided to the Council. She added that at least 10% of the lab time will include a hands-on component.
Mr.Shmelzer asked where they have locations in Maryland.
Ms.Fish said that they have 3 locations in Anne Arundel County, 1 location in Baltimore City, 1 location in Baltimore County, 1 location in Calvert County, 2 locations in Charles County, 1 location in Frederick County, 1 location in Harford County, 1 location in Montgomery County, 1 location in Prince George’s County, 1 location in St.Mary’s County, and 1 location in Washington County.
A motion to approve this new program was made by Mr. Shmelzer, seconded by Ms.Acharya and unanimously approved. (Employee Representatives Terreia Smalls and Denise Gilmore were not in attendance.Consultants to the Council Ellen Flowers-Fields, Janine Nagrod, and Martin Knott, Jr were also not present.)
Fearless Solutions LLC (Marshel Pollock) – Request for registration of Standards of Apprenticeship and Affirmative Action Plan for a new program for the occupations of Web & Digital Interface Designer and Software Developer. (ITEM 5)
Ms.Pollock said that she was joined by Mr.Delali Dzirasa from Fearless Solutions to request the registration of Standards of Apprenticeship and Affirmative Action Plan for the occupations of Web & Digital Interface Designer and Software Developer. She provided some additional background information on the program and occupation and offered to answer any questions from the Council.
Chairman Cavey recognized Mr.Dzirasa as the Chair of the Governor’s Workforce Development Board (GWDB).
Ms.Woo asked if the online training is synchronous with a live instructor.
Ms.Pollock confirmed that the online training is synchronous with live instruction.
A motion to approve this new program was made by Mr.Wilford, seconded by Ms.Woo and unanimously approved. (Employee Representatives Terreia Smalls and Denise Gilmore were not in attendance.Consultants to the Council Ellen Flowers-Fields, Janine Nagrod, and Martin Knott, Jr were also not present.)
FMK Social (Lynn Stone) – Request for registration of Standards of Apprenticeship and Affirmative Action Plan for a new program for the occupation of Line Cook. (ITEM 6)
Ms.Stone said that she was joined by Ms.Shannon Curtis from FMK Social to request the registration of Standards of Apprenticeship and Affirmative Action Plan for a new program for the occupation of Line Cook.She provided some additional background information on the program and occupation and offered to answer any questions from the Council.
Mr.Shmelzer pointed out that a bike is listed as an example under reliable transportation and questioned whether the Sponsor would be interested in removing it as an example.
Ms.Stone said that the Sponsor will remove the examples listed under reliable transportation.
A motion to approve this new program was made by Mr. Shmelzer, seconded by Mr. Courtien and unanimously approved. (Employee Representatives Terreia Smalls and Denise Gilmore were not in attendance.Consultants to the Council Ellen Flowers-Fields, Janine Nagrod, and Martin Knott, Jr were also not present.)
Innovo Construction (Lynn Stone) – Request for registration of Standards of Apprenticeship for a new program for the occupation of Glazier. (ITEM 7)
This item was moved to the agenda of the May MATC meeting.
Maryland Workforce Association (MWA) (Chris MacLarion) – Request for registration of Standards and Apprenticeship and Affirmative Action Plan for a new program for the occupation of Cybersecurity Support Technician. (ITEM 8)
Mr.MacLarion said that she was joined by Mr.Brandon Butler from the Maryland Workforce Association (MWA) to request the registration of Standards of Apprenticeship for the occupation of Cybersecurity Support Technician. She provided some additional background information on the program and occupation and offered to answer any questions from the Council.
Mr.Shmelzer asked if the Sponsor will provide a laptop and internet.
Mr.MacLarion confirmed that the Sponsor will provide all necessary equipment.
Ms.Durant asked, since the Sponsor opted into School-to-Apprenticeship (STA), if this was a reason why the age is listed at 18 instead of 16 or 17.
Mr.Butler said that they’d be happy to open up the age requirements so that more people can participate.
Ms.Anderson asked if the Council has previously approved an expanded (2:1) ratio for the occupation of Cybersecurity Support Technician
Mr.MacLarion confirmed that the Council has approved a 2:1 ratio for that occupation in the past.
Mr.Wilford requested that any language that mention “install” be removed or replaced to make it clear that this occupation does not include any electrical work.
The Sponsor agreed.
A motion to approve this new program was made by Mr. Shmelzer, seconded by Ms.Cornish and unanimously approved. (Employee Representatives Terreia Smalls and Denise Gilmore were not in attendance.Consultants to the Council Ellen Flowers-Fields, Janine Nagrod, and Martin Knott, Jr were also not present.).
Paradorn (Laura Wright) – Request for registration of Standards of Apprenticeship and Affirmative Action Plan for a new program for the occupation of Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operator. (ITEM 9)
Ms.Wright said that she was joined by Ms.Hannah Paras from Paradorn to request the registration of Standards of Apprenticeship for the occupation of Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operator. She provided some additional background information on the program and occupation and offered to answer any questions from the Council.
Mr.Shmelzer noticed that they included STA language and asked if they were still going to require the Apprentice to pay 20% considering the funding available for STA programs.
Ms.Wright said that the Sponsor will still be expecting the Apprentices to pay 20% of the cost.
Mr.Courtien asked for an estimate on the cost of RI and asked if the Sponsor will be paying for it up-front.
Ms.Wright said it would be around $4,000 and the Sponsor is planning to pay it up-front.
Mr.Hadfield asked about how much the Apprentice would be expected to cover.
The Sponsor said about $800.
Mr.MacLarion explained that the Sponsor’s goal is for employers to pay the full cost of training, however, if the employer wasn't able to cover the full cost, an Apprentice could incur up to 20% of the cost.
Mr.Courtien asked if the Sponsor has worked with any local workforce development agencies to try and secure additional funding so that the Apprentices don't have to pay.
Ms.Wright explained that the Sponsor is connected with the local workforce development agency as well as the local school system and she said she will continue to work with the Sponsor to find other avenues for funding.
A motion to approve this new program was made by Ms.Anderson, seconded by Mr. Wilford and unanimously approved. (Employee Representatives Terreia Smalls and Denise Gilmore were not in attendance.Consultants to the Council Ellen Flowers-Fields, Janine Nagrod, and Martin Knott, Jr were also not present.).
St.Agnes Healthcare, Inc. (Marshel Pollock) – Request for registration of Standards of Apprenticeship for a new program for the occupation of Certified Nursing Assistant. (ITEM 10)
Ms.Pollock said that she was joined by Ms.Renata Scott from St.Agnes Healthcare, Inc. to request the registration of Standards of Apprenticeship for the occupation of Certified Nursing Assistant. She provided some additional background information on the program and occupation and offered to answer any questions from the Council.
Ms.Woo asked if the Sponsor will provide financial assistance to help Apprentices meet the listed vaccination requirements.
The Sponsor confirmed that they will cover the cost of any required vaccinations
A motion to approve this new program was made by Mr.Wilford, seconded by Ms.Wooand unanimously approved. (Employee Representatives Terreia Smalls and Denise Gilmore were not in attendance.Consultants to the Council Ellen Flowers-Fields, Janine Nagrod, and Martin Knott, Jr were also not present.)
Torian Electric (Aneta Lefterov) – Request for registration of Standards of Apprenticeship and Affirmative Action Plan for a new program for the occupation of Electrician. (ITEM 11)
Ms.Lefterov said that she was joined by Mr.Michael Ewing from Baker Torian Electric to request the registration of Standards of Apprenticeship for the occupation of Electrician. She provided some additional background information on the program and occupation and offered to answer any questions from the Council.
Mr.Shmelzer asked where the labs will be held.
Ms.Leftrov said that 50% of the labs will be online.
Ms.Anderson asked if there would be live instruction.
Mr.MacLarion clarified that it is self-paced but there are instructors available to help answer questions.
A motion to approve this new program was made by Mr.Wilford, seconded by Mr.Shmelzer and unanimously approved. (Employee Representatives Terreia Smalls and Denise Gilmore were not in attendance.Consultants to the Council Ellen Flowers-Fields, Janine Nagrod, and Martin Knott, Jr were also not present.)
Program Reactivations
Caliber Collision (Jane Sinclair) – Request for reactivation of the Apprenticeship program for the occupation of Automotive Technician Specialist and incorporation of revisions to the related instruction curriculum, Journeyworker wage, and progressive wage scale. (ITEM 12)
Ms.Sinclair said that she was joined by Ms. Kelly Jaszczuk from Caliber Collision to request the reactivation of the Apprenticeship program for the occupation of Automotive Technician Specialist and incorporation of revisions to the related instruction curriculum, Journeyworker wage, and progressive wage scale. She provided some additional background information on the program and occupation and offered to take any questions from the Council.
Ms.Anderson pointed out that it lists the training location as “virtual”, however, they are conducting in-person training so she suggested noting it.
Ms.Sinclair said that she will make that correction
Mr.Shmelzer asked why the Sponsor went inactive.
Ms.Sinclair explained that the Sponsor went inactive due to an inability to support the Apprentices at the time. Since then they've made some strategic changes to their program to make it more accessible, such as removing the requirement of a high school diploma.
Mr.Hadfield asked what the Journeyworker rate is.
Ms.Sinclair said that the Journeyworker rate is $18.
A motion to approve this reactivation was made by Mr.Wilford, seconded by Mr. Courtien and unanimously approved (Employee Representatives Terreia Smalls and Denise Gilmore were not in attendance.Consultants to the Council Ellen Flowers-Fields, Janine Nagrod, and Martin Knott, Jr were also not present.)
Montgomery County Department of General Services (Sheila Jackson) – Request for reactivation of the Apprenticeship program for the occupations of Electrician, HVAC/R, Heavy Equipment Mechanic, and Plumber with incorporation of revisions to the related instruction providers and Journeyworker wages. (ITEM 13)
Ms.Jackson said that she was joined by Mr.Paul Witter and Ms.Ijeoma Oji from Montgomery County Government, Department of General Services (DGS) to request the reactivation of the Apprenticeship program for the occupations of Electrician, HVAC/R, Heavy Equipment Mechanic, and Plumber with incorporation of revisions to the related instruction providers and Journeyworker wages. She provided some additional background information on the program and occupation and offered to take any questions from the Council.
Mr.Shmelzer asked if electrician classes are still active and available at Montgomery Community College.
Ms.Jackson confirmed that classes are still active and available.
Mr.Wilford asked if the College would still hold the class even if only 2 or 3 Apprentices were enrolled.
Mr.MacLarion explained that it is up to the College but if they were unable to run a class the Sponsor can work with their Apprenticeship Navigator to potentially bring in another provider.
A motion to approve this reactivation was made by Mr.Wilford, seconded by Mr.Hadfield and unanimously approved (Employee Representatives Terreia Smalls and Denise Gilmore were not in attendance.Consultants to the Council Ellen Flowers-Fields, Janine Nagrod, and Martin Knott, Jr were also not present.).
Night Watch Childcare (Alicia Dennis) – Request for reactivation of the Apprenticeship program for the occupation of Child Care Professional. (ITEM 14)
Ms.Dennis presented a request for the reactivation of the occupation of Child Care Professional on behalf of Night Watch Childcare. She provided some additional background information on the program and occupation and offered to take any questions from the Council.
Ms.Woo said that the training appears to be 100% virtual and self-paced and asked if there will be instructors available to assist and answer questions if needed.
Ms.Dennis confirmed that instructors will be available for guidance and assistance.
A motion to approve this reactivation was made by Mr. Shmelzer, seconded by Ms.Durant and unanimously approved (Employee Representatives Terreia Smalls and Denise Gilmore were not in attendance.Consultants to the Council Ellen Flowers-Fields, Janine Nagrod, and Martin Knott, Jr were also not present.)
Chairman Cavey called for a ten-minute comfort break before Item 15 was heard. He called the meeting back to order at 10:39AM.
Program Revisions
AMCOR (Berry Plastics Corporation) (Angela Clark) – Request for revision of Standards of Apprenticeship to reflect a company name change and add a new occupation of Machine Operator. (ITEM 15)
Ms.Clark requested a revision of Standards of Apprenticeship on behalf of AMCOR to reflect a company name change and add a new occupation of Machine Operator. She went on to provide some additional background information on the Sponsor and occupation and offered to take any questions from the Council.
A motion to approve this revision of Standards was made by Mr.Courtien, seconded by Ms. Anderson and unanimously approved (Employee Representatives Terreia Smalls and Denise Gilmore were not in attendance.Consultants to the Council Ellen Flowers-Fields, Janine Nagrod, and Martin Knott, Jr were also not present.)
Associated Builders And Contractors (ABC) Metropolitan Washington Chapter (Lynn Stone) – Request for revision of Standards of Apprenticeship to revise the progressive wage scales for the occupations Carpenter, Concrete Form Builder, Drywall Installer, and Sprinkler Fitter. (ITEM 16)
Ms.Stone said that she was joined by Ms.Doreen Shanan and Mr.Mark Silvers from ABC Metro Washington to request a revision of the progressive wage scales for the occupations Carpenter, Concrete Form Builder, Drywall Installer, and Sprinkler Fitter. She provided some additional background information on the Sponsor and occupations and offered to take any questions from the Council.
Ms.Anderson pointed out that Sprinklerfitter will make less money and asked if the Apprentices that are currently enrolled will be grandfathered into the same rate of pay..
Mr. MacLarion explained that all Apprentices that were under the original rate have to stay at that rate unless the Sponsor notifies each Apprentice individually. He said that any new Apprentices will start at the reduced rate.
A motion to approve this revision of Standards was made by Mr.Shmelzer, seconded by Ms. Anderson and unanimously approved (Employee Representatives Terreia Smalls and Denise Gilmore were not in attendance.Consultants to the Council Ellen Flowers-Fields, Janine Nagrod, and Martin Knott, Jr were also not present.)
Maryland National Capital Park and Planning Commission (Lynn Stone) – Request for revision of Standards of Apprenticeship to add the occupation of Locksmith. (ITEM 17)
Ms.Stone said that she was joined by Ms.Bonnie King from Maryland NAtional Capital Park and Planning Commission to request a revision of Standards of Apprenticeship to add the occupation of Locksmith. She provided some additional background information on the Sponsor and occupation and offered to take any questions from the Council.
A motion to approve this revision of Standards was made by Mr.Wilford, seconded by Mr.Shmelzer and unanimously approved (Employee Representatives Terreia Smalls and Denise Gilmore were not in attendance.Consultants to the Council Ellen Flowers-Fields, Janine Nagrod, and Martin Knott, Jr were also not present.)
Maryland Plumbing, Heating, & Cooling Contractors, Inc. (Sheila Jackson) – Request for revision of Standards of Apprenticeship to modify Journeyworker wage and related instruction provider for the occupation of Plumber. (ITEM 18)
Ms.Jackson said that she was joined by MsKathy Kessler Mr.Mike Kessler from Maryland Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Contractors, Inc to request a revision of Standards of Apprenticeship to modify Journeyworker wage and related instruction provider for the occupation of Plumber. She provided some additional background information on the Sponsor and occupation and offered to take any questions from the Council.
Mr.Shmelzer asked who will be providing the RTI.
Ms.Jackson said that the Community College of Baltimore County (CCBC) will be providing the RTI.
Mr.MacLarion clarified that CCBC is the provider of instructors and classroom space using the PHCC curriculum.
A motion to approve this revision of Standards was made by Mr.Shmelzer, seconded by Mr.Hadfield and unanimously approved (Employee Representatives Terreia Smalls and
Denise Gilmore were not in attendance.Consultants to the Council Ellen Flowers-Fields, Janine Nagrod, and Martin Knott, Jr were also not present.)
Plumbers and Steamfitters Local Union No. 486 JATC (Angela Harkness) – Request for revision of Standards of Apprenticeship to modify the progressive wage scale. (ITEM 19)
Ms.Harkness requested a revision of Standards of Apprenticeship on behalf of Plumbers and Steamfitters Local Union No. 486 JATC to modify the progressive wage scale. She provided some additional background information on the Sponsor and program and offered to take any questions from the Council.
A motion to approve this revision of Standards was made by Ms.Anderson, seconded by Mr.Wilford and unanimously approved (Employee Representatives Terreia Smalls and Denise Gilmore were not in attendance.Consultants to the Council Ellen Flowers-Fields, Janine Nagrod, and Martin Knott, Jr were also not present.)
Reliance Test & Technology (Laura Wright) – Request for revision of Standards of Apprenticeship to revise titles, work processes, related instruction, progressive wage scales, and ratio for the non-hazardous occupations of Computer Network Specialist, Computer Systems Analyst, and Electronics Technician. (ITEM 20)
Ms.Wright requested a revision of Standards of Apprenticeship on behalf ofReliance Test & Technology to revise titles, work processes, related instruction, progressive wage scales, and ratio for the non-hazardous occupations of Computer Network Specialist, Computer Systems Analyst, and Electronics Technician. She provided some additional background information on the Sponsor and occupations and offered to take any questions from the Council.
Ms.Durant asked when their next program review is scheduled for.
Mr.MacLarion said that the Sponsor has at least another year before their next scheduled program review.
Ms.Woo asked whether the Sponsor will pay for students to receive their security clearance.
Ms.Wright confirmed that the Sponsor will cover the cost of a security clearance.
Mr.Wilford asked if the training is entirely online and asked if it is also self-paced.
Ms.Wright explained that it is dependent on what the college chooses to do. She said that the college could decide to hold classes entirely virtual and self-paced, could host classes in person with live instruction, or anything in between.
Mr.MacLarion further explained that OOA staff will try to make it more clear in the future, however, in the case of this program he assured theCouncil that at least some of the instruction will be held in-person with a live instructor.
A motion to approve this revision of Standards was made by Ms.Woo, seconded by Mr.Courtien and unanimously approved (Employee Representatives Terreia Smalls and Denise Gilmore were not in attendance.Consultants to the Council Ellen Flowers-Fields, Janine Nagrod, and Martin Knott, Jr were also not present.)
Restaurant Association of Maryland (Sheila Jackson) – Request for revision of Standards of Apprenticeship to modify the progressive wage scale for the occupation of Restaurant Manager. (ITEM 21)
Ms.Jackson said that she was joined by Ms.Olivia Aberdeen from the Restaurant Association of Maryland to request a revision of Standards of Apprenticeship to modify the progressive wage scale for the occupation of Restaurant Manager. She provided some additional background information on the Sponsor and occupations and offered to take any questions from the Council.
A motion to approve this revision of Standards was made by Mr.Shmelzer, seconded by Ms. Anderson and unanimously approved (Employee Representatives Terreia Smalls and Denise Gilmore were not in attendance.Consultants to the Council Ellen Flowers-Fields, Janine Nagrod, and Martin Knott, Jr were also not present.)
Tidal Health, Inc (Alicia Dennis) – Request for revision of Standards of Apprenticeship to register an Affirmative Action Plan and add a new occupation of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Technologist with a Youth Registered Apprenticeship Pathway. (ITEM 22)
Ms.Dennis said that she was joined by Ms.Rachel Bomar from Tidal Health to request a revision of Standards of Apprenticeship to register an Affirmative Action Plan and add a new occupation of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Technologist with a Youth Registered Apprenticeship Pathway. She provided some additional background information on the Sponsor and occupations and offered to take any questions from the Council.
Ms.Woo questioned whether a student could complete the Apprenticeship program with an Associates degree (AA) in 2 years.
Ms.Dennis confirmed that it is a 2 year competency-based program and Apprentices will receive their AA.
Ms.Woo asked who Pulse Radiology is accredited by.
The Sponsor said that they are accredited by Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists (ARMRIT).
A motion to approve this revision of Standards was made by Ms.Anderson, seconded by Ms. Anderson and unanimously approved (Employee Representatives Terreia Smalls and Denise Gilmore were not in attendance.Consultants to the Council Ellen Flowers-Fields, Janine Nagrod, and Martin Knott, Jr were also not present.)
Tustin Group (Angela Harkness) – Request for revision of Standards of Apprenticeship to register an Affirmative Action Plan and modify the progressive wage scale. (ITEM 23)
Ms.Harkness said that she was joined by Mr.Tony Schaffer and Mr.Doug Weidman from Tustin Mechanical Group to register an Affirmative Action Plan and modify the progressive wage scale. She provided some additional background information on the Sponsor and occupation and offered to take any questions from the Council.
Mr.Wilford asked what the initial progressive wage scale was.
Ms.Harkness said that the progressive wage scale was initially 65% and dropped to 57%.
Mr.Wilford asked if the Sponsor has an adequate number of participants to maintain the program.
Ms.Harkness confirmed that they have an adequate number of participants and have recently registered 2 or 3additional participants.
Mr.Courtien asked what the reasoning was for the reduction in the progressive wage scale.
Ms.Harkness explained that the change is being made to ensure that new Apprentices registered in Maryland are not going to be making more than Apprentices that have already been registered and working in other states.
Ms.Durant mentioned that different states may have different wage requirements and questioned the reasoning behind reducing the progressive wage scale percentage down to 57%. She requested some additional clarification from the Sponsor.
The Sponsor explained that, if they were to leave the progressive wage scale as is, there is a decent possibility of new Apprentices in Maryland making significantly more than other workers in similar or more advanced roles within the same company simply due to location.
Ms.Durant asked if the Sponsor is separately registered in Pennsylvania with a set of Standards that better reflect the Pennsylvania market.
The Sponsor said that they are registered in Pennsylvania but would like to make the progressive wage scale company wide with a 57% progressive wage scale across the board.
Mr.Wilford asked whether the $33 listed as the Journeyworker’s rate is an average of the pay rate between each of the states that Tustin works in.
The Sponsor said it is an average rate of all their technicians.
Mr.Courtien said that by his understanding, there is going to be a difference in Journeyworker rate throughout a jurisdictional area since there are two different rates and
Apprenticeship Standards are based on a percentage of that rate. He said that he does not believe that the rate should change to conform with other states.
Mr.MacLarion asked what the starting percentage for the Sponsors Standards in Pennsylvania and Jew Jersey.
The Sponsor said that the starting rate in both Pennsylvania and New Jersey is 57% and Maryland is the outlier with 65%.
A motion to approve this revision of Standards was made by Mr.Hadfield, seconded by Mr.Shmelzer and approved. Mr.Wilford, Mr. Courtien, Ms.Anderson, and Ms.Acharya all abstained (Employee Representatives Terreia Smalls and Denise Gilmore were not in attendance. Consultants to the Council Ellen Flowers-Fields, Janine Nagrod, and Martin Knott, Jr were also not present.)
VSC Fire & Security, Inc. (Angela Clark) – Request for revision of Standards of Apprenticeship for the occupation of Sprinkler Fitter to restructure the progressive wage scale to reflect time-based increments that are consistent with the Sponsor’s established wage scale. (ITEM 24)
Ms.Clark said that she was joined by Mr.Peter Anderson from VSC Fire & Security to request a revision of Standards of Apprenticeship for the occupation of Sprinkler Fitter to restructure the progressive wage scale to reflect time-based increments that are consistent with the Sponsor’s established wage scale. She provided some additional background information on the Sponsor and occupation and offered to take any questions from the Council.
A motion to approve this revision of Standards was made by Ms.Anderson, seconded by Mr.Hadfield and approved. Mr.Shmelzer abstained (Employee Representatives Terreia Smalls and Denise Gilmore were not in attendance.Consultants to the Council Ellen Flowers-Fields, Janine Nagrod, and Martin Knott, Jr were also not present.)
Program Reviews (5 or more Apprentices)
Access to Wholistic and Productive Living Institute, Inc. (Coral Newland) – Request for approval of program review for a registered Sponsor with 5 or more Apprentices. (ITEM 25)
Ms.Newland presented a program review for Access to Wholistic and Productive Living Institute, Inc. She said that during the review staff noted a couple deficiencies. She said that the first deficiency is that staff was presented with a list of applicants who were supposed to have been registered but never were, many of whom have completed the program already. She said that the Sponsor is interested in getting them registered retrospectively and presenting the request to MATC at some point in the near future. Additionally, Ms.Newland
shared that staff noted another deficiency in the untimeliness of submitting new employer agreements. She said that staff implemented a corrective action plan, will continue to meet with the Sponsor once a month to provide technical assistance, and has invited their new RAP coordinator the Next Steps webinar. She concluded by requesting approval of this review with the recommendations of OOA staff for another regularly scheduled review in 2 years.
Mr.Wilford asked whether the Sponsor has complied with and completed all of the things that were asked of them following their last review.
Ms.Newland said that the Sponsor is continuing to work with OOA staff but has yet to do all that was asked of them.
Ms.Anderson said that the last review was in August, so the Sponsor has not made the corrective action in 7 months. She expressed concern that the Sponsor has “graduated” Apprentices without them being registered and hasn't rectified those issues since it's been discovered and pointed out to them.
Ms.Woo asked how many Apprentices were registered in 2025.
Mr.MacLarion added that the Sponsor is meeting regularly with OOA staff and making good faith efforts to rectify their mistakes.
Mr.Shmelzer asked if the Sponsor has received any grant funds from the Department of Labor and followed up by asking if they are eligible for grants.
Mr.MacLarion said that the Sponsor has not received grant funds and clarified that they would only be eligible for grant funds if the Apprentices were registered on the front end.
Ms.Woo recommended another review in 6 months and suggested that they set a deadline for compliance with the corrective action by the July MATC meeting. She also suggested that the Council requires their attendance for the July meeting.
A motion to approve this review with the aforementioned recommendations was made by Ms.Woo, seconded by Ms.Durant and unanimously approved (Employee Representatives Terreia Smalls and Denise Gilmore were not in attendance.Consultants to the Council Ellen Flowers-Fields, Janine Nagrod, and Martin Knott, Jr were also not present.)
Association of International Certified Professional Accountants (AICPA) (Pam Luby) – Request for approval of program review for a registered Sponsor with 5 or more Apprentices. (ITEM 26)
Ms.Luby presented a program review for the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants (AICPA). She said that during the review staff noted several deficiencies including core record keeping, failure to track and monitor Apprentices
progression, a wage scale that is inconsistent with their Standards, and wage progressions that were not tracked. Additionally she said that there is not a clear path or occupation for the Apprentices once they've completed the program. She went on to explain that those deficiencies resulted in high cancellation rates and low completion rates. Ms.Luby said that Director MacLarion and her met with Sponsor and they expressed that they are not interested in deregistereding the 2 active Apprentices that they currently have and would instead like to work with OOA to remedy the issues that are occurring. She concluded by requesting approval of this review with the recommendations of OOA staff (including being put on a probationary period and attending the Next Steps webinar) with another review in January 2027.
Ms.Woo asked for more explanation as to why so many Apprentices were cancelled.
Ms.Luby said that cancellation rates were high due to changes in leadership and a lack of understanding of Apprenticeship as a system and how it works in
non-traditional trades.
Mr.Shmelzer asked if the Sponsor’s Apprenticeship Committee is meeting on a regular basis.
Ms.Luby said that there is currently only one employer as part of the Committee and 2 Apprentices. She said once more are added they will try to meet regularly.
Mr.Shmelzer asked if the Sponsor’s has been or currently is a recipient of any MD Labor grant funds.
Ms.Luby said that they received 2 Apprenticeship-related grants in 2022.
Ms.Acharya asked if Apprentices bear any cost for participation in the program.
Ms.Luby said that the Apprentices bear no cost.
Ms.Woo asked what the Sponsor is using to track communication and check-ins with Apprentices.
Ms.Luby said they are using the Build Within platform.
Ms.Kyttle pointed out that the program was approved for STA and asked how many were sun-setted.
Ms.Luby said that there are no Apprentices going through the STA program and that all of the current Apprentices were incumbent workers.
Mr.Shmelzer requested that staff attend the Committee meetings to hear from the participating employers.
Mr.MacLarion said staff will attend once they get more employers signed on and are hosting regular meetings.
Ms.Durant expressed concern with the large number of cancellations and asked what impact wrap-around services would have had in helping Apprentices persist through their RTI.
Ms.Luby said that she doesn't necessarily think that a lack of wrap-around service was the largest factor in those cancellations. She said that she believes that the majority of cancellations were the result of not checking-in regularly with Apprentices. She assured the Council that the Sponsor hired a new Apprenticeship coordinator that will stay on top of it and regularly check-in with Apprentices.
Ms.Durant said that the report language that says "nontraditional programs are poorly executed” is an overstatement and requested that it be revised.
Ms.Luby said that she would make that change.
Ms.Woo suggested that the Council should require the Sponsor to add additional Apprentices in addition to adding more employers.
Ms.Luby repeated the recommendations to MATC as follows.
Update Standards to reflect accurate Apprenticeship requirements, wages, and wage progression, and distinguish between program levels and hours to complete the CCGMA certification.
Designate an individual that is dedicated to managing the Apprenticeship program.
Demonstrate the viability of the business partner occupation by adding 2 new employers in the next 6 months.
Demonstrate the viability of the accounting and finance associate occupation by adding 2 new employers in the next 6 months.
Implement monthly committee meetings with employers and OOA staff.
Mr.Shmelzer left the meeting at 11:46 due to a scheduling conflict.
Ms.Anderson suggested that the Council recommend for the Sponsor to identify the requirements of a Journeyworker.
Ms.Luby said that she would add that to the list of recommendations to the Sponsor.
Mr.Wilford asked if the Sponsor reviewed the curriculum with the employers.
The Sponsor confirmed that they had.
Mr.Wilford then asked if that conversation happened prior to or after the failure.
The Sponsor confirmed that the discussions with the employers regarding curriculum occurred prior to the failure.
Mr.Wilford said that the Sponsor should have provisions in place to help rectify issues with employers if Apprentices are not progressing as they should.
A motion to approve this review with recommendations was made by Mr.Courtien, seconded by Mr.Wilford and unanimously approved (Employer Representative Grant Shmelzer and Employee Representatives Terreia Smalls and Denise Gilmore were not in attendance.Consultants to the Council Ellen Flowers-Fields, Janine Nagrod, and Martin Knott, Jr were also not present.)
Baltimore Washington Laborers’ Joint Training Fund (Coral Newland) – Request for approval of program review for a registered Sponsor with 5 or more Apprentices. (ITEM 27)
Ms.Newland presented a program review for the Baltimore Washington Laborers’ Joint Training Fund. She said that during the review staff noted that the Sponsor is well over compliance with regard to registering minority Apprentices and has made great progressive on their corrective action plan. She said that all documents were provided and no deficiencies were found. She concluded by requesting approval of this review with the recommendation of OOA staff for another regularly scheduled review in 2 years.
Mr.Courtien pointed out a typo with regard to the hours listed for the occupational length and probationary period.
Ms.Newland recognized the typo and said that she would correct it.
A motion to approve this review with recommendations was made by Mr.Wilford, seconded by Ms.Woo and unanimously approved (Employer Representative Grant Shmelzer and Employee Representatives Terreia Smalls and Denise Gilmore were not in attendance.Consultants to the Council Ellen Flowers-Fields, Janine Nagrod, and Martin Knott, Jr were also not present.)
Miller & Long Company, Inc. (Coral Newland) – Request for approval of program review for a registered Sponsor with 5 or more Apprentices. (ITEM 28)
Ms.Newland presented a program review for Miller & Long Company, Inc. She said that during the review the only active occupation was form-builder. She also said that, during the review, staff noted that several cohorts had been completely cancelled. She said that they talked with the Sponsor about the cancellations but also noted that Sponsor has made an attempt to be proactive in sending out separation reports to try and gauge why all the cancellations were happening. Ms.Newland said that no other deficiencies were noted. She concluded by requesting approval of this review with the recommendation of OOA staff for another regularly scheduled review in 2 years.
Mr.Wilford asked what the reasons were for all of the cancellations.
Ms.Newland said that there were some staffing issues that could have contributed. She explained that the Sponsor was able to get their staffing sorted out and then tried to hold interviews and reach out to Apprentices to try and figure out why they were cancelled. She said that the Apprentices that they were able to speak with provided various reasons for leaving the program.
Mr.Wilford suggested that OOA staff conduct another review in 1 year instead of 2 years.
A motion to approve this review with recommendations was made by Mr.Shmelzer, seconded by Ms.Gilmore and unanimously approved (Employer Representative Grant Shmelzer and Employee Representatives Terreia Smalls and Denise Gilmore were not in attendance.Consultants to the Council Ellen Flowers-Fields, Janine Nagrod, and Martin Knott, Jr were also not present.)
Several Council members expressed their frustration with the fact that the Sponsor has had so many cancellations and is still active. Chairman Cavey said that if an Apprentice is cancelled during a Sponsor probationary period it is not counted against them in their completion rates, however, he said that if it is happening repeatedly at high rates, the Sponsor should be held accountable.
Further discussion on this topic ensued and Mr.MacLarion explained why the Sponsor has not gone inactive.
WANADA Automobile Dealers Education Institute (Pam Luby) – Request for approval of program review for a registered Sponsor with 5 or more Apprentices. (ITEM 29)
Ms.Luby presented a program review for WANADA Automobile Dealers Education Institute. She said that during the review staff noted just one deficiency in the registration of female Apprentices but staff also noted that the Sponsor has made improvements towards their goal and continues to conduct outreach. She concluded by requesting approval of this review with the recommendation of OOA staff for another regularly scheduled review in 2 years.
Ms.Durant pointed out a typo in the Affirmative Action Plan.
Ms.Luby said that she would happily correct the mis-type.
A motion to approve this review with recommendations was made by Mr.Wilford, seconded by Ms.Anderson and unanimously approved (Employer Representative Grant Shmelzer and Employee Representatives Terreia Smalls and Denise Gilmore were not in attendance.Consultants to the Council Ellen Flowers-Fields, Janine Nagrod, and Martin Knott, Jr were also not present.)
Program Reviews (Fewer than 5 Apprentices)
Chairman Cavey said that Items 30 and 31 are program reviews with less than 5 Apprentices. He said that staff verified that program reviews were performed and programs were found to be conducted in a satisfactory manner, therefore, no Council action is required.
Prince George’s Arts and Humanities Council (Pam Luby) – Request for approval of program review for a registered Sponsor with fewer than 5 Apprentices. (ITEM 30)
No Council action required.
Town of Berlin (Pam Luby) – Request for approval of program review for a registered Sponsor with fewer than 5 Apprentices. (ITEM 31)
No Council action required.
Provisional Reviews:
Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT), Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) (Pam Luby) – Request for approval of a provisional program review. (ITEM 32)
Ms.Newland presented a program review for the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT), Maryland Transit Administration (MTA). She said that requested documentation was provided and no deficiencies were noted. She concluded by requesting approval of this review with the recommendation of OOA staff for another regularly scheduled review in 2 years.
A motion to approve this review with recommendations was made by Ms.Woo, seconded by Ms.Anderson and unanimously approved (Employer Representative Grant Shmelzer and Employee Representatives Terreia Smalls and Denise Gilmore were not in attendance.Consultants to the Council Ellen Flowers-Fields, Janine Nagrod, and Martin Knott, Jr were also not present.)
Cancellations
Chairman Cavey said that Items 33, 34 and Supplemental Item 3 are all requests for voluntary cancellations and asked the Council to consider and vote on all of the items together.
G.A. Smith Electric, Inc. (Laura Wright) – Request for voluntary cancellation of Standards of Apprenticeship. (ITEM 33)
See Item 34 for Council vote.
R. Brooks Mechanical, Inc. (Amy Belt) – Request for voluntary cancellation of Standards of Apprenticeship. (ITEM 34)
A motion to approve the requests for cancellation for Items 33 and 34 was made by Mr.Wilford, seconded by Mr.Courtien and approved. Ms.Anderson abstained (Employer
Representative Grant Shmelzer and Employee Representatives Terreia Smalls and Denise Gilmore were not in attendance. Consultants to the Council Ellen Flowers-Fields, Janine Nagrod, and Martin Knott, Jr were also not present.)
Other Business
(Apprentice Registrations with Greater than 50% Credit or After-the-fact)
Barr Construction Institute (Jennifer White) – Request for registration of an Apprentice with over 50% credit granted for prior training. (ITEM 35)
Ms.White said that she was joined by Ms.Kathy Gress from the Barr Construction Institute to request the registration of an Apprentice with over 50% credit granted for prior work experience and training. She provided some brief background information on the Apprentice and their level of experience and offered to take any questions.
Ms.Anderson asked for more information on why the Apprentice wasn't originally registered. Ms.White explained that the Apprentice recently switched employers and their new employer is registering them.
Ms.Woo asked where the prior work experience came from.
Ms.White said that the Apprentice received those hours with Barr Construction but was just going to school on his own and would now like to join the Apprenticeship program.
A motion to approve the registration of an Apprentice with over 50% credit was made by Ms.Anderson, seconded by Ms.Woo and unanimously approved (Employer Representative Grant Shmelzer and Employee Representatives Terreia Smalls and Denise Gilmore were not in attendance. Consultants to the Council Ellen Flowers-Fields, Janine Nagrod, and Martin Knott, Jr were also not present.)
I.E.C. Chesapeake, Inc. (Sheila Jackson) – Request for registration of an Apprentice with after-the-fact completion granted for prior work experience and training. (ITEM 36)
Ms.Jackson requested the registration of an Apprentice for after-the-fact completion granted for prior work experience and training on behalf of I.E.C. Chesapeake, Inc. She provided some brief background information on the Apprentice and their level of experience and offered to take any questions.
A motion to approve the registration of an Apprentice with over 50% credit was made by Ms.Woo, seconded by Mr.Wilford and unanimously approved (Employer Representative
Grant Shmelzer and Employee Representatives Terreia Smalls and Denise Gilmore were not in attendance.Consultants to the Council Ellen Flowers-Fields, Janine Nagrod, and Martin Knott, Jr were also not present.)
I.E.C. Chesapeake, Inc. (Sheila Jackson) – Request for registration of five
(5) Apprentices with over 50% credit granted for prior work experience and training. (ITEM 37)
Ms.Jackson requested the registration of 5 Apprentices with over 50% credit granted for prior work experience and training on behalf of the Marine Trades Association of Maryland. She provided some brief background information on the Apprentice and their level of experience and offered to take any questions.
A motion to approve the registration of 5 Apprentices with over 50% credit was made by Ms.Anderson, seconded by Mr.Wilford and unanimously approved (Employer Representative Grant Shmelzer and Employee Representatives Terreia Smalls and Denise Gilmore were not in attendance.Consultants to the Council Ellen Flowers-Fields, Janine Nagrod, and Martin Knott, Jr were also not present.)
Reliance Test & Technology (Laura Wright) – Request for registration of an Apprentice with over 50% credit granted for prior training. (ITEM 38)
Ms.Wright requested the registration of an Apprentice with over 50% credit granted for prior work experience and training on behalf of Reliance Test & Technology. She provided some brief background information on the Apprentice and their level of experience and offered to take any questions.
Ms.Anderson asked if staff reviewed the Apprentice’s transcripts from the other programs.
Ms.Wright confirmed that they reviewed the Apprentice’s transcripts from other programs.
A motion to approve the registration of an Apprentice with over 50% credit was made by Mr.Courtien, seconded by Mr.Shmelzer and unanimously approved (Employer Representative Grant Shmelzer and Employee Representatives Terreia Smalls and Denise Gilmore were not in attendance.Consultants to the Council Ellen Flowers-Fields, Janine Nagrod, and Martin Knott, Jr were also not present.)
Chairman Cavey stated that items 39 and 40 are both requests for registration of an Apprentice with over 50% credit granted for prior work experience and training and asked the Council to consider and vote on them together.
Washington, D. C. Electricians JATC Local Union No. 26 (Karen
Parker) – Request for registration of an Apprentice with over 50% credit granted for prior work experience and training. (ITEM 39)
See Item 40.
Washington, D. C. Electricians JATC Local Union No. 26 (Karen Parker) – Request for registration of an Apprentice with over 50% credit granted for prior work experience and training. (ITEM 40)
Ms.Parker presented (2) requested for the registration of Apprentices with over 50% credit granted for prior work experience and training on behalf of Washington, D. C. Electricians JATC Local Union No. 26. She provided some brief background information on the Apprentices and their level of experience and offered to take any questions.
A motion to approve the registration of an Apprentice with over 50% credit was made by Mr.Wilford, seconded by Mr.Courtien and unanimously approved (Employer Representative Grant Shmelzer and Employee Representatives Terreia Smalls and Denise Gilmore were not in attendance.Consultants to the Council Ellen Flowers-Fields, Janine Nagrod, and Martin Knott, Jr were also not present.)
(Approval of a New AMP Employer/Occupation)
Chairman Cavey stated that Items 41-66 are all eligible employer requests for the Apprenticeship Maryland Program (AMP) and asked that the Council consider all of the items together. He asked the Council members if they had any questions, concerns, or remarks concerning any Youth Apprenticeship Items.
General Questions
Ms.Durant pointed out that the cover memos are missing for a number of the Youth items. Mr.MacLarion explained that during the last Council meeting they discussed moving away from including the cover memo and using the 2000 report instead. He said that he would start including the wages.
Ms.Durant asked if it would be possible for OOA staff to include the occupation descriptions.
Mr.Dean said that they include the ONET code in their documentation and explained that there are breakdowns for each of the occupations in ONET
Anderson Automotive (Angela Harkness) – Request for approval as an eligible Youth Apprenticeship employer in the Apprenticeship Maryland Program for the occupation of Automotive Technician. (ITEM 41 - Youth Apprenticeship)
See Item 45 for Council vote.
Apparatus Repair & Engineering, Inc. (Jennifer White) – Request for approval as an eligible Youth Apprenticeship employer in the Apprenticeship Maryland Program for the occupation of Motor Repair Technician. (ITEM 42 - Youth Apprenticeship)
See Item 45 for Council vote.
Baltimore City Department of General Services (Marshel Pollock) – Request for approval as an eligible Youth Apprenticeship employer in the Apprenticeship Maryland Program for the occupations of Electrician and HVAC Technician. (ITEM 43 - Youth Apprenticeship)
See Item 45 for Council vote.
Browns Service Center (Amy Belt) – Request for approval as an eligible Youth Apprenticeship employer in the Apprenticeship Maryland Program for the occupation of Automotive Technician Specialist. (ITEM 44 - Youth Apprenticeship)
See Item 66 for Council vote.
Cecil County Sports Weekly, Inc. (Amy Belt) – Request for approval as an eligible Youth Apprenticeship employer in the Apprenticeship Maryland Program for the occupations of Photojournalist, Paginator, and News Editor. (ITEM 45)
See Item 66 for Council vote.
Charles County Government (Laura Wright) – Request for approval as an eligible Youth Apprenticeship employer in the Apprenticeship Maryland Program for the occupations of Electrical Technician, Civil Engineering Technician, HVAC Technician, and Meter Technician. (ITEM 46)
See Item 66 for Council vote.
Churchville Presbyterian Preschool and Daycare (Amy Belt) – Request for approval as an eligible Youth Apprenticeship employer in the Apprenticeship Maryland Program for the occupations of Teacher Aide and Child Care Provider. (ITEM 47 - YOUTH)
See Item 66 for Council vote.
Coastal Comfort, Inc. (Alicia Dennis) – Request for approval as an eligible Youth Apprenticeship employer in the Apprenticeship Maryland Program for the occupation of HVAC Installer. (ITEM 48 - YOUTH)
See Item 66 for Council vote.
Frederick County Government (Jennifer White) – Request for approval as an eligible Youth Apprenticeship employer in the Apprenticeship Maryland Program for the occupation of Civil Engineer Technician. (ITEM 49 - YOUTH)
See Item 66 for Council vote.
High Tech Coatings, Inc. (Jennifer White) – Request for approval as an eligible Youth Apprenticeship employer in the Apprenticeship Maryland Program for the occupation of Powder Coating Technician. (ITEM 50 - YOUTH)
See Item 66 for Council vote.
Inheritance Childcare Center LLC (Marshel Pollock) – Request for approval as an eligible Youth Apprenticeship employer in the Apprenticeship Maryland Program for the occupation of Childcare Assistant. (ITEM 51 - YOUTH)
See Item 66 for Council vote.
Luminis Health (Angela Clark) – Request for approval as an eligible Youth Apprenticeship employer in the Apprenticeship Maryland Program for the occupations of Environmental Service Attendant and Food Service Attendant. (ITEM 52 - YOUTH)
See Item 66 for Council vote.
McClay Contracting (Jackie Trieu) – Request for approval as an eligible Youth Apprenticeship employer in the Apprenticeship Maryland Program for the occupation of Carpenter. (ITEM 53 - YOUTH)
See Item 66 for Council vote.
Nichols Contracting (Sheila Jackson) – Request for approval as an eligible Youth Apprenticeship employer in the Apprenticeship Maryland Program for the occupations of Carpenter and Construction Manager. (ITEM 54 - YOUTH)
See Item 66 for Council vote.
Pappas Restaurant & Sports Bar (Amy Belt) – Request for approval as an eligible Youth Apprenticeship employer in the Apprenticeship Maryland Program for the occupations of Food Services Manager and Line Cook. (ITEM 55 - YOUTH)
See Item 66 for Council vote.
Paradorn (Laura Wright) – Request for approval as an eligible Youth Apprenticeship employer in the Apprenticeship Maryland Program for the occupation of Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operator. (ITEM 56 - YOUTH)
See Item 66 for Council vote.
Powers Mobile Marine LLC (Jackie Trieu) – Request for approval as an eligible Youth Apprenticeship employer in the Apprenticeship Maryland Program for the occupation of Carpenter. (ITEM 57 - YOUTH)
See Item 66 for Council vote.
Preston Power Sports LLC (Jackie Trieu) – Request for approval as an eligible Youth Apprenticeship employer in the Apprenticeship Maryland Program for the occupation of Small Engine Mechanic. (ITEM 58 - YOUTH)
See Item 66 for Council vote.
Princess Anne Police (Alicia Dennis) – Request for approval as an eligible Youth Apprenticeship employer in the Apprenticeship Maryland Program for the occupations of Police Civilian Administrator and Police Recruit/Officer. (ITEM 59 - YOUTH)
See Item 66 for Council vote.
R. Brooks Mechanical, Inc. (Jennifer White) – Request for approval as an eligible Youth Apprenticeship employer in the Apprenticeship Maryland Program for the occupation of HVAC Technician. (ITEM 60 - YOUTH)
See Item 66 for Council vote.
Reid & Reid Inc. (Laura Wright) – Request for approval as an eligible Youth Apprenticeship employer in the Apprenticeship Maryland Program for the occupation of Diesel Technician. (ITEM 61 - YOUTH)
See Item 66 for Council vote.
Sibling Rivalry, LLC dba/Promo Circus (Jennifer White) – Request for approval as an eligible Youth Apprenticeship employer in the Apprenticeship Maryland Program for the occupation of Videographer. (ITEM 62 - YOUTH)
See Item 66 for Council vote.
Somerset County Public Schools (Alicia Dennis) – Request for approval as an eligible Youth Apprenticeship employer in the Apprenticeship Maryland Program for the occupation of Nursing Assistant. (ITEM 63 - YOUTH)
See Item 66 for Council vote.
St. Mary’s County Government (Laura Wright) – Request for approval as an eligible Youth Apprenticeship employer in the Apprenticeship Maryland Program for the occupations of Culinarian and Teacher. (ITEM 64 - YOUTH)
See Item 66 for Council vote.
Talbot County Government (Jackie Trieu) – Request for approval as an eligible Youth Apprenticeship employer in the Apprenticeship Maryland Program for the occupation of Groundskeeper. (ITEM 65 - YOUTH)
See Item 66 for Council vote.
WRF & Son Plumbing & Heating (Teresa Mena) – Request for approval as an eligible Youth Apprenticeship employer in the Apprenticeship Maryland Program for the occupation of Service Technician. (ITEM 66 - YOUTH)
A motion to approve Items 41-66 was made by Mr.Courtien, seconded by Ms.Woo and unanimously approved ( Employer Representative Grant Shmelzer and Employee Representatives Terreia Smalls and Denise Gilmore were not in attendance.Consultants to the Council Ellen Flowers-Fields, Janine Nagrod, and Martin Knott, Jr were also not present.)
Supplemental Agenda
New Programs
Ducts Unlimited, Inc. (Alicia Dennis) – Request for registration of Standards of Apprenticeship and Affirmative Action Plan for a new program for the occupation of Sheet Metal Worker. (SUPPLEMENTAL ITEM 1)
Ms.Dennis said that she was joined by Ms.Cheryl Sparco and Mr.Michael Sparco from Ducts Unlimited, Inc. to request the registration of Standards of Apprenticeship and Affirmative Action Plan for the occupation of Sheet Metal Worker. She provided some additional background information on the program and occupation and offered to answer any questions from the Council.
Ms.Durant pointed out a typo in the documentation whereTidal health is mentioned as the instruction provider.
Ms.Dennis said that she would happily fix the typo in the documentation.
Ms.Durant said that she did not see a workforce breakdown from the Sponsor and asked if that would be possible.
Ms.Dennis said that she would collect that information and provide it for the Council.
A motion to approve this new program was made by Mr.Wilford, seconded by Mr.Courtien and unanimously approved (Employer Representative Grant Shmelzer and Employee Representatives Terreia Smalls and Denise Gilmore were not in attendance. Consultants to the Council Ellen Flowers-Fields, Janine Nagrod, and Martin Knott, Jr were also not present.)
GapBuster, Inc. (Aneta Lefterov) – Request for registration of Standards of Apprenticeship and Affirmative Action Plan for a new program for the occupations of Help Desk Technician, Computer Network Support Specialist, and Cybersecurity Support Technician. (SUPPLEMENTAL ITEM 2)
Ms.Lefterov said that she was joined by Ms.Yvette Butler-Yeboah from GapBuster, Inc. to request the registration of Standards of Apprenticeship and Affirmative Action Plan for the occupations of Help Desk Technician, Computer Network Support Specialist, and Cybersecurity Support Technician. She provided some additional background information on the program and occupations and offered to answer any questions from the Council.
A motion to approve this new program was made by Ms.Woo, seconded by Mr.Courtien and unanimously approved (Employer Representative Grant Shmelzer and Employee Representatives Terreia Smalls and Denise Gilmore were not in attendance. Consultants to the Council Ellen Flowers-Fields, Janine Nagrod, and Martin Knott, Jr were also not present.)
Cancellations
Hudak’s Insulation (Pam Luby) – Request for voluntary cancellation of Standards of Apprenticeship. (SUPPLEMENTAL ITEM 3)
See Item 34 for Council vote.
Closing Remarks
Chairman Cavey invited Ms.Kyttle to share any updates on behalf of MSDE.
Ms.Kyttle said that she doesn't have any updates but commended the OOA team for their efforts to note STA provisions or IRCs along with agenda items.
The Chairman thanked Ms.Kyttle for her remarks. He reiterated his thanks to everyone for attending and participating in the March meeting and entertained a motion to adjourn.
Adjournment
Mr.Wilford made the motion to adjourn, Ms.Woo seconded the motion and the meeting was adjourned at approximately 12:42 p.m. (Employer Representative Grant Shmelzer and Employee Representatives Terreia Smalls and Denise Gilmore were not in attendance.Consultants to the Council Ellen Flowers-Fields, Janine Nagrod, and Martin Knott, Jr were also not present.)
Respectfully Submitted,
Christopher D. MacLarion Secretary
Maryland Apprenticeship and Training Council