$23 Million in Federal Funding to Expand Registered Apprenticeships and Workforce Development in Maryland

ANNAPOLIS, MD (August 20, 2024) - Governor Wes Moore today announced nearly $23 million from the U.S.Department of Labor's Apprenticeship Building America initiative to connect more than 7,000 jobseekers to new apprenticeship opportunities. The funding will help participating organizations recruit underrepresented Marylanders-including women and people of color-fill registered apprenticeship programs in Maryland's expanding industries, including health care, technology, and transportation.

"In Maryland, we believe in tested programs that deliver results. Registered apprenticeships have helped us train and retain skilled workers for decades - and will help make Maryland more competitive for decades to come," said Gov. Moore. "The Biden-Harris Administration has been a true partner in our work to connect Marylanders with skills and jobs. By working together, we will build an economy that leaves no one behind."

Projects supported under the grants will also focus on improving the alignment of educational standards with pre-apprenticeship and registered apprenticeship programs and establishing registered apprenticeship hubs to foster partnership networks. Maryland received the highest number of awards of any state in the nationwide pool of 43 awardees.

"Maryland is a national leader in advancing the apprenticeship model to create more inclusive access to work, wages, and wealth," said Maryland Department of Labor Secretary Portia Wu. "The new federal investments through the ABA initiative will support more Maryland jobseekers than ever in earning while they learn, and pursuing exciting career pathways that range from traditional trades to healthcare to IT."

The following Maryland organizations received grants:

The University of Maryland Global Campus received $3,947,276 to create a nationally scalable model for IT pre-apprenticeships and registered apprenticeships that earn college credits towards a bachelor's degree.

The Baltimore Alliance for Careers in Healthcare Inc. received $3,882,946 to establish a registered apprenticeship hub to increase investment in healthcare apprenticeships and improve access to these programs among underrepresented populations and underserved communities.

The Asian American Center of Frederick received $3,990,486 to establish registered apprenticeships and pre-apprenticeships for immigrants-especially minority, LGBTQ, rural and low-income populations and Deaf or disabled persons.

Joe's Movement Emporium received $3,117,812 to develop pre-apprenticeship and registered apprenticeship programs in media and creative technologies that grow sustainable, living wage jobs that cross multiple industry sectors.

Amalgamated Transit Union received $8,000,000 to create pre-apprenticeships and registered apprenticeships that prepare frontline workers for in-demand occupations in public transit, especially as the industry transitions to clean energy vehicles.

"Our previous EARN grants have given us six years of experience successfully using the apprenticeship model to prepare jobseekers for employment as Community Healthcare Workers," said Asian American Center of Frederick Executive Director Elizabeth Chung. "This new grant award will allow us to leverage that experience to build an apprenticeship program that prepares jobseekers for in demand certified nursing assistant and geriatric nursing assistant roles. Every graduate from our program has a brighter career path, and Maryland will have a stronger healthcare system as a result."

The Maryland Department of Labor also recently received an award from the U.S. Department of Labor State Apprenticeship Expansion Formula grant program. The department received $1,092,175 to support the agency's capacity for employer engagement, local collaboration, and Registered Apprenticeship program development.

The 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, Twitter, Facebook, and visit our website.

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