Maryland Surpasses Apprenticeship Goals, Opening Doors to High-Demand Careers

According to a press release from the Office of Governor Wes Moore, Maryland has achieved significant milestones in its Governor’s Apprenticeship Pledge, demonstrating record growth in apprenticeship programs and expanding access to rewarding careers for its residents. The initiative, launched in late 2024 in collaboration with the Maryland Department of Labor and the Governor’s Workforce Development Board, successfully exceeded its objectives for employer engagement, public agency participation, and new apprentice recruitment. This surge in apprenticeships is designed to provide individuals with valuable on-the-job training, leading to sustainable career paths and contributing to the state’s economic strength.

The pledge set out to enlist 500 employers into registered apprenticeship programs, including a minimum of five additional public agencies. In response, Maryland has forged partnerships with over 500 employers, encompassing five state agencies and 17 regional, city-, and county-level public sector organizations. Consequently, more than 1,000 Maryland businesses, organizations, and agencies are now actively employing and training registered apprentices. Beyond employer engagement, a target was set to recruit over 5,000 new registered apprentices, a goal that was surpassed by more than 200. This year, a record-breaking 14,000 Marylanders have participated in apprenticeship programs, marking an increase of over 1,500 registered apprentices compared to the previous year. These expansions are creating new avenues for economic advancement across the state.

The impact of these apprenticeship programs extends across a wide array of industries, from traditional trades to rapidly growing sectors such as information technology, healthcare, life sciences, and education. These programs are instrumental in connecting Marylanders with practical, hands-on learning experiences, leading to recognized credentials and stable career trajectories. This approach not only addresses critical workforce shortages but also stimulates economic growth within Maryland.

Illustrating the program’s innovative reach, the Maryland Department of Health, in conjunction with the Maryland Professional Employees Council and Morgan State University, has introduced the nation’s first environmental health specialist apprenticeship program. This initiative allows participants to gain essential public health experience through coursework in environmental science and public health, combined with practical field experience at local health departments throughout Maryland.

Additionally, the Maryland State Department of Education and the Maryland State Education Association have launched a statewide registered apprenticeship program for teachers. This program is poised to assist all 24 school districts in Maryland with the recruitment, training, and retention of future educators by offering a paid pathway to teaching careers. This model is expected to reduce the financial burden associated with obtaining degrees and licenses, making the teaching profession more accessible.

Private sector companies have demonstrated strong support for Maryland’s apprenticeship expansion since the inception of the Governor’s Apprenticeship Pledge. Companies like Royal Farms and AstraZeneca, a significant player in the life sciences sector undergoing a substantial expansion in Maryland, were early adopters of the pledge. These partnerships highlight a mutual commitment to developing a skilled workforce and fostering career growth within the state.

For individuals interested in exploring these opportunities, further information regarding Maryland’s registered apprenticeship programs can be found on the Maryland Department of Labor website at labor.maryland.gov.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from The Office of Governor Wes Moore.

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