ANNAPOLIS, MD—In a move to bolster the state’s economy and provide Marylanders with access to family-sustaining careers, Governor Wes Moore on Tuesday signed the Registered Apprenticeship Investments for a Stronger Economy (RAISE) Act of 2025 into law. This legislation aims to expand Registered Apprenticeship programs across various industries, offering businesses a skilled workforce and Marylanders with pathways to high-demand careers.
The RAISE Act establishes several key initiatives to support apprenticeship programs. One major component is the Maryland Pay Per Apprentice Program, which will provide financial assistance to employers offsetting the costs of hiring and training new apprentices. This program aims to make apprenticeship more accessible, particularly for small businesses.
Additionally, the act invests in intermediaries to connect employers, training providers, and sponsors, streamlining the process of launching and scaling apprenticeship programs. It also codifies a 1:1 journeyperson-to-apprentice ratio, with flexibility for non-hazardous occupations, to encourage expansion in sectors like IT, healthcare, and education.
The legislation establishes the Maryland Office of Registered Apprenticeship Development (MORAD) to oversee the development, support, and tracking of Registered Apprenticeship programs statewide. A new advisory board will guide MORAD’s work and evaluate the effectiveness of the investments made.
“In partnership with the General Assembly, we are building pathways to work, wages, and wealth,” said Governor Moore during the signing ceremony. “The legislation I sign today will help grow our economy and build new pipelines to employment for all.”
Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller emphasized the administration’s commitment to inclusivity, stating that the bills signed “reflect our belief that a stronger economy begins with a workforce that includes everyone.”
“Apprenticeships are key to building an economy that leaves no one behind,” says Maryland Secretary of Labor Portia Wu. “This will help thousands of Marylanders move into high-demand, middle-class careers in a huge range of sectors, from healthcare and infrastructure to cybersecurity.”
The RAISE Act has garnered support from various stakeholders, including the AFL-CIO, business and industry champions, local workforce leaders, and the legislature. Erin Roth, Assistant Secretary of the Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning at the Maryland Department of Labor, praised the collaborative effort in bringing the law to fruition. She believes the RAISE Act will “remove barriers to economic growth and create opportunity for Maryland workers and businesses alike.”
The signing of the RAISE Act signifies Maryland’s commitment to providing more Marylanders with access to quality careers and empowering businesses with a skilled workforce.
This article was written with the assistance of AI and reviewed by a human editor.
Photo via the Maryland Governor’s Office
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