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State Announces First Four Apprenticeship Innovation Fund Grant Awards

BALTIMORE, MD (April 12, 2017) – Under the leadership of Governor Larry Hogan, Kelly M. Schulz, Secretary of the Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (Department of Labor) today announced the first four awards to local community partners selected to receive apprenticeship grants from the Apprenticeship Innovation Fund.

The Apprenticeship Innovation Fund was developed when the Department of Labor received a 2 million dollar grant through the United States Department of Labor in October 2016. As part of the State's initiative to advance apprenticeship opportunities, the Department in investing more than $620,000 to support innovative apprenticeship solutions for Maryland's businesses.

"Apprenticeship training is not a 'one-size-fits-all' program," said Maryland Labor Secretary Kelly M. Schulz. "There are many possibilities for creating opportunities to assist in the development of programs in the traditional industries, such as construction, but also the expansion into non-traditional industries, such as information technology and manufacturing. The goal is to be able to provide businesses with greater opportunities for the development of a workforce of the future that works for them."

The Maryland Department of Labor is immediately issuing grant awards to the following organizations:

  1. Finishing Trades Institute (FTI): FTI will work with Run Hope Work, a nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming the lives of young people in crisis. Their program provides young adults with the chance to get their lives back on track by providing opportunities for personal growth. Through running, mentorship and hands-on training in trades like flooring and solar panel installation, participants gain the skill they need to be active members of their community.
     
  2. TranZed Apprenticeship Services (TAS): TranZed Apprenticeship Services has received two awards in order to provide pre-apprenticeship services to over 200 apprentices. The first award will allow them to expand its operations in non-traditional apprenticeships in information technology, Digital Media and Cyber Security through outreach to new employers, recruit and attract apprentices through engagement with local schools and to expand the number of sites available for training. The second award will focus on providing employability sessions to pre-apprenticeship training that will assist the job-seekers with interview skills and/or practical, technical skills.
     
  3. Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA): TCIA will create a non-traditional apprenticeship program to include up to 30 new registered apprentices this year, with the expectation that they will register a total of 50 individuals by 2020.
     
  4. Maryland Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP): Maryland MEP will develop a registered apprenticeship for Industrial Maintenance in a non-traditional manner. MD MEP will serve as a sponsor organization for the industry within the State to provide structure, training, content and tracking for multiple manufacturers. Small and medium sized manufacturing partners will benefit from a streamlined approach to apprenticeship training.

The Department of Labor is strategically working to create the groundwork for the most inclusive and industrious apprenticeship program in the country. The Department of Labor's Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning and the Office of Apprenticeship and Training is continuing to work with organizations to provide technical assistance on additional proposals. There is a great deal of optimism regarding the development of innovative ideas within the business community.

The Apprenticeship Innovation Fund is currently accepting applications and they are reviewed in order of submission to the department on a rolling basis. Applications will continue to be accepted until the grant funds are exhausted. Applicants may apply online or they may contact Chris MacLarion for additional information.

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.