Maryland Approves Three New Apprenticeship Programs and Adds Fifteen Youth Apprenticeship Employers
BALTIMORE (July 15, 2019) – The Maryland Department of Labor today announced three new registered apprenticeship programs, expanding opportunities for Maryland workers in high-wage skilled trade jobs and non-traditional apprenticeship industries.
Maryland continues to add non-traditional industries and occupations to the roster of its approved apprenticeship programs,” said Acting Labor Secretary James E. Rzepkowski. “Industries beyond the skilled trades are realizing that the ‘earn and learn’ model of apprenticeship can effectively address their talent development needs as well.”
Apprenticeships are full-time careers that include on-the-job training and classroom instruction, allowing apprentices to earn while they learn. Anyone 18 or older can be a registered apprentice, while high school students can pursue youth apprenticeships. The school-to-apprenticeship model allows youth ages 16 or 17 to register as apprentices with a registered apprenticeship sponsor prior to graduation.
At the July council meeting, Fire & Life Safety America, Humanim, Inc., and Salco Mechanical Contractors were approved as new apprenticeship sponsors. These new programs include occupations such as sprinkler fitter and plumber, which are growing professions projected to open 1,200 new positions in Maryland within the next decade. Quality control technician and direct support professional are also new occupations included in the programs.
“We are excited Humanim’s Direct Support Professional (DSP) Apprenticeship Program is one of the first human service apprenticeship programs in a field where skills and knowledge are so critical in the promotion of individuals’ quality of life,” noted Henry Posko, President and CEO of Humanim. “We are proud to be able to offer this opportunity and increase career opportunities for Maryland workers in this field.”
The Maryland Apprenticeship and Training Council also approved the addition of 15 new eligible employers for the Apprenticeship Maryland Program, the state’s youth apprenticeship program. These employers, located in Allegany, Dorchester, Howard, Kent, Queen Anne’s, and Talbot counties, include: Allegany College of Maryland, Cambridge International/Rexnord, Campbell’s Boatyard, Fisherman’s Inn, GKD-USA, Willard Agri Service, Altimate Electric, DEL Electric, Grounded Electrical Construction, Humanim, Inc., R. E. Newcomb, Inc., Rommel Construction, LLC, Salon Tusey, Teamworx Security, LLC, and Windsor Electric Company, Inc.
“We are really excited to be a part of the Maryland Apprenticeship and Training Program and working with Howard County Public Schools for youth apprenticeship,” stated Christina Selby, Human Resources Coordinator for Altimate Electric, Inc. “We look forward to working and growing our future workforce.”
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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