Maryland Unveils Five New Apprenticeship Programs, Modernizes Existing Programs to Accommodate School-to-Apprenticeship

BALTIMORE (May 22, 2019) – The Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation today announced a series of new registered apprenticeship programs and apprenticeable occupations, expanding opportunities for Maryland workers in high-wage skilled trade jobs and non-traditional apprenticeship industries.

At the May meeting of the Maryland Apprenticeship and Training Council (MATC), five new sponsors became part of the state’s apprenticeship program, one existing sponsor modified their apprenticeship standards to allow for the school-to-apprenticeship model, and one sponsor reactivated its apprenticeship program.

“Maryland’s apprenticeship program is growing. We’re creating more opportunities for workers in a variety of occupations, and for youth looking to get a head start on their careers,” said Acting Labor Secretary James E. Rzepkowski. “Apprenticeship helps both adult jobseekers and high school juniors and seniors find their future career pathways.”

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 May council meeting, Cummins Sales and Service, DARCARS Automotive Group, the Howard County Public School System, RAMP MD, and the Alliance for Media Arts + Culture, Inc. became new apprenticeship sponsors, while the University of Maryland, Baltimore reactivated three occupations in its program, and Tranzed Apprenticeship Services added a new occupation to its program.

These new programs and reactivations include occupations such as diesel technician, automotive technician, HVAC-R technician, industrial manufacturing technician, and the new occupations of behavioral health aide, multimedia producer, and digital video editor.

One registered apprenticeship sponsor, the Harford County Electrical Contractors Association (HCECA), modified their apprenticeship standards to permit registration for Harford Technical High School electrical students in an approved school-to-apprenticeship program. The school-to-apprenticeship model provides an important opportunity for youth to finish high school having already begun their career in a registered apprenticeship program as a student.

“The Harford County Electrical Contractors Association’s Electrical Apprenticeship Program provides accessible, affordable, and innovative training in electrical fundamentals, principles, and theory for a career choice,” said Training Director Ronald Blaney for the HCECA Electrical Apprenticeship Program. “We are proud to offer this same opportunity to high school students through the school-to-apprenticeship agreement which gives a participating student a jump start toward a highly skilled trade.”

The Maryland Apprenticeship and Training Council also approved the addition of 14 new eligible employers for the Apprenticeship Maryland Program, the state’s youth apprenticeship program. These employers, located in Allegany, Frederick, Howard, Kent, Talbot, and Washington counties, include: Kreitz Auto Repair, Winsupply, ZEGAZ Instruments, Allegany County Government, Carter Hospitality Group, Senior Benefit Services, Weimer Chevrolet of Cumberland, Willetts Technology, Composite Yacht, Net Vision Consultants, ARGO Systems, Howard Tech Advisors, Mead Tree and Turf Care, and Dixon Valve and Coupling.

“Allegany County Government is thrilled to be one of the first employers for the Apprenticeship Maryland Program in our school system,” said Allegany County Administrator Brandon Butler. “I am also pleased to see other pioneering local businesses who recognize that youth apprenticeship is a valuable tool for them to recruit their 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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