BALTIMORE — The Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation announced new registered apprenticeship programs, 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), four new sponsors became part of the state’s apprenticeship program and one reactivated its program.

“Apprenticeship is a smart choice for any industry or field of interest,” said Labor Secretary Kelly M. Schulz. “Apprenticeship offers job seekers the chance to learn new skills while earning a wage, and employers the opportunity to build their workforce while reducing turnover costs. With benefits such as these, it is clear why the apprenticeship program has grown by nearly 20 percent over the last three years.”

Moon Services, Tri-County Electrical Services, UMBC Training Centers, and Miller and Long Company became new apprenticeship sponsors, while Englishman Electric reactivated its program, bringing the total of Maryland’s active apprenticeship sponsors to 141

These new programs and reactivations include occupations such as machinist, HVACR technician, electrician, plumber, cement mason, ironworker, operating engineer, and a new occupation in certified cyber analyst operator.

Since the beginning of the Hogan administration in January 2015, the number of registered apprentices has grown by nearly 20 percent. Currently, there are approximately 9,600 apprentices learning and earning throughout Maryland. In 2017, a total of 15 new registered apprenticeship programs were created and seven were re-activated, resulting in a record year for the program.

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. Businesses and job seekers interested in apprenticeships are invited to contact info@mdapprenticeship.com or call 410-767-2246.

Publication date: 9/24/2018

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