Lt. Governor Miller and Secretary Wu Testify in Support of RAISE Act
SB431 would incentivize the expansion of traditional apprenticeships and establish the Maryland Office of Registered Apprenticeship Development
Annapolis, MD (February 19, 2025) - Lieutenant Governor Aruna K. Miller and Maryland Secretary of Labor Portia Wu testified today in front of the Senate Finance Committee in support of legislation that would expand opportunities for Marylanders to participate in registered apprenticeship programs statewide, and establish the Maryland Office of Registered Apprenticeship Development.
SB431 will also enhance the registered apprenticeship model by incentivizing the expansion of traditional apprenticeships such as those in the trades, and will make important policy changes allowing the expansion of apprenticeship-to-journeyperson ratios for specified, nonhazardous occupations.
“Since Day one, Governor Moore and I have focused our efforts on work, wages, and wealth, and this legislation is one piece of a broader effort to further those goals for Marylanders,” said Lt. Governor Miller. “Our crown jewel is our talented workforce, and we are doubling down on our commitment to being a national leader in quality, registered apprenticeships as a career path.”
The RAISE Act aims to ensure there are solidified job opportunities at the conclusion of apprenticeships statewide, and that Maryland continues to lead the nation in innovative workforce development.
“The RAISE Act is crucial to growing Maryland’s economy. Strategically expanding registered apprenticeships will provide new talent for businesses and increased opportunities for Marylanders,” said Secretary Wu. “This bill provides the infrastructure and tools we need to unlock our state’s potential.”
"Maryland has seen major growth in Registered Apprenticeship—we have more women, more young people, and more Marylanders overall participating in Registered Apprenticeship today than we have had in the state’s history,” said Chris Maclarion, Director of the Maryland Apprenticeship and Training Program. “But we also know there is important work to be done to meet Governor Moore’s goal of being the best in the country. The RAISE Act is a historic investment in Maryland’s workers, the kind of investment we need in order to create a workforce that works for everyone."
“I followed the college career pathway and completed my Bachelor's Degree in Healthcare at a local university. However, I later found that it was very challenging to find a job related to my education,” said Sumeet Dave, Apprentice with AT&T through Howard Community College and panelist for SB431 hearing. “Now, with the dual backing of the IT Registered Apprenticeship Program, I have not only enhanced my skillsets, I have received a job that has catapulted me into a promising career.”
The Lieutenant Governor also testified on Feb. 18 in front of the Senate Finance Committee in support of SB433 and on Feb. 11 in front of the House Appropriations Committee for HB502.
What the Bill Does:
- Establish the Maryland Office of Registered Apprenticeship Development within the Maryland Apprenticeship and Training Program of the Department of Labor
- Establish the Registered Apprenticeship Qualified Intermediary Program
- Establish the Maryland Apprenticeship Incentive Program
- Ensure Automatic Licensure Upon Completion of Designated Registered Apprenticeships
- Expands Journeyperson-to-Apprentice Ratios
- Repeals the Youth Apprenticeship Advisory Committee
The Maryland Department of Labor strives to create an equitable and inclusive Maryland where all residents have the opportunities and resources to attain financial stability, reach their career potential, and contribute to their communities; where businesses have access to capital and the skilled workforce they need to succeed; where workplaces are safe and well-regulated; and where the economy is resilient and growing. For updates and information, follow Labor on LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and visit our website.
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Dinah Winnick