Maryland National Apprenticeship Week Promotes 'Earn While You Learn'
12 events celebrate Maryland’s workforce revolution Nov. 13 to 17
BALTIMORE (Nov. 13, 2017) – Under the leadership of Governor Larry Hogan, Maryland Department of Labor Secretary Kelly M. Schulz today announced that Maryland will recognize National Apprenticeship Week November 13-17, 2017, to promote and celebrate the role registered apprenticeships play in revolutionizing Maryland’s workforce. Apprenticeships are full-time jobs that include on-the-job training and classroom instruction, allowing apprentices to earn while they learn.
"Our administration is committed to providing Maryland workers with expanded opportunities to succeed, and ensuring our job creators have access to the skilled workforce they need to thrive in today’s competitive economy," said Governor Hogan. "National Apprenticeship Week highlights apprenticeship programs as successful business and workforce development tools that strengthen our economy and foster long-term private sector growth."
Since the beginning of the Hogan administration in January 2015, the number of Registered Apprentices in Maryland has grown by nearly 20 percent to more than 9,600. Since the Maryland Apprenticeship and Training Program was integrated into workforce development in November 2016, a total of 16 new Registered Apprenticeship programs have been created. This figure is equivalent to the number of new programs implemented during the prior three fiscal years combined.
During the Hogan administration, Maryland has launched a growing number of "modern" apprenticeships. These programs employ the successful apprenticeship model in such occupations as information technology, cybersecurity, digital and social media, biotechnology, healthcare, and advanced manufacturing.
"Apprenticeships are revolutionizing Maryland’s workforce by challenging our way of doing business," said Labor Secretary Schulz. "Apprenticeships target the needs of our business community, and accelerate career readiness for our job seekers. Apprenticeships work in any industry, and provide our workforce with alternative pathways to successful careers."
The Maryland Department of Labor is participating in 12 events throughout Apprenticeship Week, including a networking breakfast with the Maryland Tech Council and TranZed Apprenticeship Services, an apprenticeship sponsor appreciation ceremony, an American Hotel and Lodging Association announcement, a Youth Apprenticeship Program announcement, and a skilled craft union open house. Find the complete list of events.
In Maryland, there are currently over 230 apprenticeable occupations. Anyone aged 18 or older can be a Registered Apprentice. The apprenticeship model can be applied to all industries, and employers interested in getting involved are encouraged to contact the Department for more information. Businesses and job seekers interested in apprenticeships are invited to contact dlmatpapprenticeshipandtraining-dllr@maryland.gov 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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