Maryland Establishes First Competency Based Apprenticeship Program
BALTIMORE, MD (May 16, 2017) – Under the leadership of Governor Larry Hogan, Kelly M. Schulz, Secretary of the Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing and Labor (Department of Labor) today announced the approval of the State’s first competency based apprenticeship for the occupation of Environmental Care Supervisor. The Baltimore Alliance for Careers in Healthcare (BACH) will serve as the program’s sponsor.
“Maryland is continuing to distinguish itself as a leader in apprenticeships," said Maryland Labor Secretary Kelly M. Schulz. “Apprenticeship is an innovative approach to helping businesses expand their talent pipeline. The approval of this program demonstrates our commitment to supporting strategies to develop new pathways to success in the State.”
Under this apprenticeship model, individual apprentices will receive scheduled wage increases after demonstrating proficiency in a list of pre-determined job functions. Apprentices will be paired on a one-to-one basis with mentors/journeyworkers from the employers to obtain on-the-job training. Technical instruction will be offered through the Community College of Baltimore County. BACH is partnering with Johns Hopkins Hospital as the first institution to offer this opportunity.
“Apprenticeship provides a great opportunity to those individuals interested in advancing in a career without incurring the debt of a four-year degree,” said Laura Spada, Executive Director of BACH. “Hospitals in Baltimore City are committed to developing a strong workforce with many opportunities for growth, at the same time opening the doors to career paths that result in family sustaining wages.”
Founded in 2005, BACH is a nonprofit corporation dedicated to eliminating the critical shortage of qualified healthcare workers in Baltimore by working with local agencies, healthcare institutions and other organizations to create opportunities for residents to pursue careers in health professions. Under this apprenticeship program, BACH is partnering with Baltimore area hospitals to meet their existing and future workforce needs.
The approval of this apprenticeship program is part of the $2 million grant award the State received from the United States Department of Labor in October 2016. The State, in that grant application, pledged to establish a pilot program for skilled immigrants that are legal U.S. residents in health care related occupations.
For more information about apprenticeships in Maryland, please visit Maryland Apprenticeship and Training.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Summar J. Goodman
Director of Constituent Services
410-230-6069 (office)
443-928-0280 (cell)
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.