Maryland Apprenticeship Connector

Women in Construction Week is almost here, and Maryland Center for Construction Education and Innovation (MCCEI) is kicking things off early! Join MCCEI and Building Impact to celebrate the incredible women shaping the construction industry. From networking to hands-on sessions, this is your chance to connect, learn, and support equity in the trades. 📅 Happy Hour & Networking – Feb. 28, 5:30 PM @ DoubleTree Columbia 📅 Maryland Tradeswomen Summit – March 1, 8:15 AM Howard Community College Head to Maryland Center for Construction Education and Innovation (MCCEI) for details on registration, speakers, schedules, and how to get involved!

The Maryland Apprenticeship Connector is here to help employers create successful apprenticeship programs. Whether you're new to apprenticeships or looking to enhance your current program, our Employer Toolkit provides everything you need—from step-by-step guidance to essential resources. Steps to get started: ✅ Explore apprenticeship models ✅ Connect with MAC experts ✅ Utilize our Employer Toolkit 🔗 Learn more: macworkforce.org/employers

Youth apprenticeships are gaining bipartisan support for a reason—they open doors to real careers without crushing debt. At The Brookings Institution event, Sen. John Hickenlooper and former apprentices discussed how these programs help young people build skills, earn, and make informed career choices. Read more ➡️ https://bit.ly/41cWoR1

Don't miss next week's webinar about the Registered Apprenticeship Investments for a Stronger Economy (RAISE) Act with Maryland Workforce Alliance and Apprenticeships for America! As part of Governor Wes Moore’s economic growth agenda for the 2025 legislative session, the Maryland legislature will be considering the RAISE Act to expand and create new career pathways to good-paying, middle class jobs through high quality Registered Apprenticeships in Maryland. This webinar will discuss: 🟡 Apprenticeship and legislation in other states - how Maryland compares 🟡 Contents of the bill 🟡 Discussion regarding impacts on employers, intermediaries, and communities Register now: https://lnkd.in/dyGJ2jej #Webinar #Apprenticeships #RAISEAct

We believe in setting our apprentices up for success from day one. Through hands-on training, mentorship, and industry insights, they gain essential skills like project management, technical problem-solving, and effective communication. During their onboarding, they engaged in workshops and team collaborations designed to strengthen their foundation and prepare them for real-world challenges. These experiences not only build confidence but also create a network of support that will guide them throughout their careers. By investing in their growth, we’re shaping the future of the industry—one apprentice at a time.

In today’s State of the State address, Gov. Wes Moore shared, “We are moving in partnership with the General Assembly to honor our pledge of recruiting 500 new employers, 5,000 new apprentices, and at least five additional public agencies to registered apprenticeships in Maryland.” Meet Ezekiel, a shining example of Maryland’s future in the construction and HVAC industry. An honors student at The Reach! Partnership School, Ezekiel chose a hands-on youth apprenticeship with Trane Technologies, with training provided by Plumbers and Steamfitters Local Union 486, to gain real-world experience and access a fulfilling, well-paying career. This innovative new partnership allows Baltimore City high school students to earn their diplomas while building a career in HVAC technologies with union support. The program creators describe it as a way to not only nurture young talent, but also contribute to the growth and success of the construction and HVAC industries in the long term. Kudos to Ezekiel and thanks to the visionary efforts of these partners—Trane Technologies and the Local 486 Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee (a collaboration of Local 486 and the Mechanical Contractors Association of Maryland)—for empowering Maryland’s youth. Gov. Moore’s call to expand apprenticeship is growing our workforce and our economy, and allowing more Marylanders to learn and earn! Photo courtesy Baltimore City Public Schools

Big news for the solar industry! The U.S. Department of Labor just approved national guidelines for Registered Apprenticeship Programs, thanks to Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) and Solar Energy Industries Association. This means more training opportunities, stronger career pathways, and a better-prepared workforce to meet the growing demand for clean energy jobs. These guidelines give companies and training programs a solid blueprint to create high-quality apprenticeships, helping workers gain the skills they need for long-term success. Read more about the news: https://bit.ly/4hRu2By

To ensure apprentices gained valuable insights, we gave them access to industry experts and professionals through guest speaker sessions and on-site visits. These experiences provided firsthand accounts of various career paths and industry trends. One of the most memorable moments took place during National Apprenticeship Week when Calvin Ball visited Health Tech Alley to learn about our cutting-edge data science apprenticeship program. These opportunities continue to inspire and equip our apprentices with the knowledge and connections needed to excel in their fields.

Investigate and explore! You can find a variety of employer incentives if you know where to look. Luckily, MAC has a strong network and a solid mission. We’ll help you identify and connect with the right opportunities for your apprenticeship or upskilling situation. MAC’s Employer toolkit is a valuable resource and a great place to start ➡️ macworkforce.org

We’re halfway through the first cohort of the groundbreaking apprenticeship program at the Maryland Innovation Center, sponsored by Health Tech Alley and the Maryland Apprenticeship Connector, and the success stories just keep building! Here’s what these Howard County [Howard County Public School System] high school apprentices have achieved so far: • 𝘾𝙚𝙧𝙩𝙞𝙛𝙞𝙚𝙙 & 𝘽𝙚𝙮𝙤𝙣𝙙: All apprentices completed their Google Data Analytics certification and are now advancing through the Google Data Analytics Advanced course. • 𝙁𝙪𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙚-𝙍𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙮: After visiting the AWS Skills Center, they’re gearing up to achieve AWS certification by the end of January. Microsoft Excel certification is also on the horizon for March 2025! • 𝙃𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙨-𝙊𝙣 𝙋𝙧𝙤𝙟𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙨: From optimizing websites for HTAA IT Institute and QIX Secure to helping Ryan’s Place Foundation barcode inventory, their impact is already felt across industries. 𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩’𝙨 𝙉𝙚𝙭𝙩? • Developing marketing videos for App Beacon, launching March 2025. • More collaborations with Ryan’s Place Foundation and Howard Community College on new projects in 2025.