ANNAPOLIS, MD—The state of Maryland will receive nearly $23 million in federal grant money to establish apprenticeship programs across a variety of industries, including health care, technology and transportation.

The funds, which are coming from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Apprenticeship Building America initiative, are meant to help participating organizations recruit underrepresented people in Maryland into registered apprenticeship programs.

“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 Governor Wes Moore in a statement. “By working together, we will build an economy that leaves no one behind.”

The state is one of 43 that will be receiving funds as part of the Apprenticeship Building America initiative, which is meant to bolster workforce development opportunities.

“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.”

This article was written with the assistance of AI and reviewed by a human editor.

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