BALTIMORE, MD—Governor Larry Hogan has proclaimed November 11-17 as National Apprenticeship Week in Maryland. Maryland is joining other states across the nation to celebrate apprenticeship as a proven workforce development tool.

This week-long observance will also recognize the Maryland Apprenticeship and Training Programs success in growing the states registered apprenticeship programs. Maryland currently has 10,711 registered apprentices earning and learning, which is the highest participation rate in state history.

“Our administration’s focus on making Maryland more business friendly and improving the states economic competitiveness has been supported by the tremendous growth of registered apprenticeships,” said Governor Hogan. “With more apprentices than ever before in our states history, businesses are using this cost-effective workforce development tool to mold their future workforce while creating new jobs.”

Registered apprenticeships give employees the opportunity to have a full-time job, learn through a combination of on-the-job training and classroom instruction, and earn a salary. Open to any industry and all individuals 18 years or older, apprenticeships provide Marylanders with alternative pathways for exploring, establishing, and growing in an occupation or profession.

“Thanks to our state’s registered and youth apprenticeship programs, job seekers of all ages and backgrounds have the opportunity to earn a wage while exploring a career in a variety of traditional and non-traditional industries,” said Labor Secretary Tiffany Robinson. “This week, we recognize and express our gratitude to the countless state employees, businesses, and stakeholders that are committed to connecting Marylanders with rewarding careers through apprenticeships.”

Reaching 10,711 registered apprentices is a significant milestone made possible by the Maryland Apprenticeship and Training Programs dedication and commitment to recruiting new programs, sponsors, and apprentices in Maryland. There are currently 3,820 businesses and 158 program sponsors actively participating in the states registered apprenticeship program, which represents the highest participation since 2011.

Diversity in registered apprenticeship programs has also increased with 4,311 minorities currently registered, an increase of 47.2% since 2015. In addition, the number of female apprentices enrolled in registered apprenticeships has increased by 62% since 2015.

The state’s nationally-recognized youth apprenticeship program, Apprenticeship Maryland, has also experienced tremendous growth with 13 county school systems and 135 employers now participating across the state. Apprenticeship Maryland gives high school juniors and seniors a head start on their future career by working a minimum of 450 hours with a certified employer while receiving high school credit.

Since the first graduating class during the 2016-2017 school year, 68 youth apprentices have successfully completed and graduated from the program. Just this school year, there are 62 high school students earning and learning. This program was created in 2015 as a collaborative partnership between the Maryland Department of Labor, the Maryland State Department of Education, the Maryland Department of Commerce, county public school systems, community educational and business partners, and area employers.

The Maryland Department of Labor will kick off the week with the quarterly meeting of Maryland Apprenticeship and Training Council, where new programs and occupations will be reviewed for inclusion in the statewide apprenticeship program. An additional 22 events will be held around the state, including youth career fairs, open houses at apprenticeship training centers, business forums, and industry roundtable discussions.

Throughout the week, Maryland Department of Labor will be featuring several success stories from registered apprenticeship sponsors and their apprentices on Facebook and Twitter. To explore all of Maryland’s exciting National Apprenticeship Week events, visit http://www.labor.maryland.gov/employment/appr/apprweek.shtml.