Maryland to Continue & Expand Youth Apprenticeship Program
BALTIMORE (Jan. 19, 2018) – Lt. Governor Boyd Rutherford today announced the continuation and expansion of Maryland’s successful Apprenticeship Maryland youth apprenticeship program. The program, first piloted in Frederick and Washington counties, will soon be available to students in other jurisdictions throughout the state, including the students of Baltimore’s Renaissance Academy High School.
“Every student should be given the opportunity to succeed,” said Lt. Governor Rutherford while speaking at Renaissance Academy. “Programs like Apprenticeship Maryland give our students those opportunities by building critical skills to help them overcome barriers to employment – all while earning a wage and working towards graduation and a career.”
Established by House Bill 942, Apprenticeship Maryland gives Maryland businesses the unique opportunity to train, influence, and shape high school juniors and seniors into top-performing employees. At the same time, the program gives students the opportunity to earn while they learn by developing academic and occupational skills leading to a high school diploma and State Skill Certificate.
Over the next several months, members of the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation’s Apprenticeship and Training Program will meet with officials at Renaissance Academy High School to formulate an apprenticeship program for the school.
“Youth apprenticeship creates a career pathway to a better life for those who some have given up on,” said Lt. Governor Rutherford. “This program gives students opportunities by developing the necessary skills they will need to achieve a successful and gratifying career.”
Apprenticeship develops a highly skilled and efficient workforce, and can be applied to any industry. Youth apprentices enter high-skill, high-growth STEM related industries, such as healthcare, biotechnology, information technology, construction and design, banking and finance, and advanced manufacturing.
“The expansion of Apprenticeship Maryland lets us serve a wider audience,” said Labor Secretary Kelly M. Schulz. “We are better positioned to provide every available opportunity to our youth, while helping our job creators – like those here in Baltimore City – cultivate the talent they need to grow and thrive in today’s economy.”
More information about youth apprenticeships.
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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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