State Announces New Youth Apprenticeship Employers, Expands Modern Apprenticeship Opportunities
Growth Signals Maryland’s “Apprenticeships for All” Vision
BALTIMORE (Jan. 10, 2018) – The Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation today announced exciting additions to the state’s Youth and Registered Apprenticeship programs. New employers and expanded apprenticeship opportunities in non-traditional industries marked the program’s continued growth.
“Apprenticeships are proven workforce development tools that greatly benefit our students, workers, and job creators,” said Governor Hogan. “This program’s ongoing growth provides our state’s workforce with expanded opportunities to learn new skills and grow in their careers. These apprenticeships provide Maryland workers across numerous industries with more opportunities to succeed, and our job-creators with the skilled workforce they need to compete in today’s market.”
At the January meeting of the Maryland Apprenticeship and Training Council (MATC), three new employers became part of the state’s Youth Apprenticeship pilot program. Alban CAT, Bryant Group, Inc., and Jay Reese Mobile Repair joined the ranks of 26 other employers providing contextualized learning and a career path to high school students in Frederick and Washington Counties.
“The Hogan administration’s investment in Youth Apprenticeship is providing Maryland students with alternative pathways to long-term success and sustainability,” said Labor Secretary Kelly M. Schulz. “Apprenticeship opportunities exist in a wide variety of industries, giving our students an opportunity to learn while they earn in some of today’s most competitive fields.”
In addition to the new employers in the Youth Apprenticeship program, one new program and two new occupations were added in the Registered Apprenticeship program, all three in non-traditional apprenticeship industries:
- Frederick Community College and the Mid-Atlantic Center for Emergency Management became the first to jointly sponsor a Registered Apprenticeship program and the first program to be sponsored by a college. The emergency management specialist apprenticeship program is the first-of-its kind in the state.
- In response to industry demand, Tranzed Apprenticeship Services, LLC enhanced its existing cyber security apprenticeship program by adding an advanced level occupation.
- The Maryland Manufacturing Extension Partnership, Inc. (MEP) added a new maintenance technician occupation, the first competency-based program for this occupation in Maryland. MEP’s maintenance technician program will give apprentices the option to pursue this career in a manner other than the traditional four-year, time-based program.
Since the beginning of the Hogan administration in January 2015, the number of registered apprentices has grown by nearly 20% to approximately 9,600. In 2017, a total of 15 new registered apprenticeship programs were created and seven were re-activated, resulting in a record year for the program.
“Modern apprenticeships work in any industry,” said Schulz. “Further, they work for every employee, whether they are starting out in a career, looking to grow in an existing career, or desiring a change late in their career. Registered apprenticeships are open for all Marylanders.”
Apprenticeships are full-time jobs that include on-the-job training and classroom instruction, allowing apprentices to earn while they learn. Anyone who is 18 or older can be a Registered Apprentice, while high school students in Frederick and Washington Counties can pursue Youth Apprenticeships. Businesses and job seekers interested in apprenticeships are invited to contact info@mdapprenticeship.com or call 410-767-2246.
About the Maryland Department of Labor
The Maryland Department of Labor is committed to safeguarding and protecting Marylanders. We're proud to support the economic stability of the state by providing businesses, the workforce, and the consuming public with high-quality, customer-focused regulatory, employment, and training services. For updates and information, follow the Maryland Department of Labor on Twitter (@MD_Labor), Facebook and visit our website.
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