State Accepting Proposals to Invest in Apprenticeships

Maryland exclusively funded to expand registered apprenticeship offerings

BALTIMORE, MD (March 8, 2017) – Kelly M. Schulz, Secretary of the Maryland Department of Labor today announced that the Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation has received exclusive Federal funding to establish an Apprenticeship Innovation Fund. The Federal grant allows Maryland to provide incentives for innovative apprenticeship solutions for Maryland’s businesses.

This initial investment of more than $620,000 is a part of a United States Department of Labor (USDOL) ApprenticeshipUSA Expansion Grant, which was awarded to Maryland in October 2016.

“We are excited about this great opportunity for Maryland’s businesses. This new funding award spotlights the Maryland Department of Labor's deep commitment to the Apprenticeship model as a win/win for Maryland businesses and working families alike. The plan is for Maryland businesses to use this opportunity to invest in their company, their communities and the State by investing in offering apprenticeships,” said Maryland Labor Secretary Kelly M. Schulz.

The Maryland Department of Labor plans to use this award to more strategically align apprenticeships with Maryland’s workforce system, to expand existing traditional apprenticeship opportunities and to create new opportunities grounded in labor market demand.

The Apprenticeship Innovation Fund will provide seed money to businesses committed to creating new apprenticeship opportunities to meet their workforce talent pipeline needs.
Under the leadership of Governor Larry Hogan, Maryland has increased apprenticeships from 7,186 in 2012 to more than 9,500 by the end of 2016.

Through this fund and other initiatives, Maryland is heavily investing in the future of the State’s workforce by investing in Registered Apprenticeships. Maryland was the only state awarded funding from the United States Department of Labor to create a fund to expand innovative, sustainable programs aimed at expanding Registered Apprenticeship strategies.

For more information about Maryland apprenticeship opportunities, please visit the Maryland Department of Labor website, e-mail the Department’s Apprenticeship team at dlmatpapprenticeshipandtraining-dllr@maryland.gov, or contact the Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning at (410) 767-2173.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Susan Kaliush -- Manager, Communications and Outreach
Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning
410-767-2041 (office)
410-274-2956 (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.