Governor Hogan announced the investment of $3.2M into a new Employer Incentive Plan (EIP), which will encourage businesses to register new apprentices and increase participation in the state’s Registered Apprenticeship program.
Registered apprenticeships provide job seekers with an opportunity to earn a salary and learn through a combination of on-the-job training and classroom instruction, while employers can develop a highly skilled workforce and grow their talent pipeline.
Apprenticeships were the subject of a MACo 2021 Summer Conference session which discussed challenges facing Maryland’s public trades workforce and how Counties can turn those challenges into rewarding opportunities. The session was moderated by Jack Wilson, Commissioner for Queen Anne’s County.
According to the Governor’s press release:
“By investing in this new Employer Incentive Plan, we are supporting the growth and future of Maryland’s highly successful Registered Apprenticeship programs, sponsors, employers, and apprentices,” said Governor Hogan. “Maryland continues to be a national leader in workforce development, job training, and apprenticeships, and it is critical that we continue to invest in our skilled workforce. Apprenticeships have proven to be a tremendously successful workforce development strategy, and I encourage businesses from all industries to utilize this program.”
Maryland has more than 11,000 registered apprentices currently working, earning, and learning in the Maryland Apprenticeship and Training Program, the highest participation rate in state history. In April, the governor announced the approval of 27 new registered apprenticeship programs during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Private, public, and nonprofit employers can apply for first come, first served EIP funds if they meet the eligibility criteria outlined in the policy. Employers should submit their initial application for the EIP immediately upon registration of a new apprentice. Once a newly registered apprentice has been verified by the Maryland Department of Labor, an initial award letter will be sent. Businesses that meet program requirements will be able to seek reimbursement when an apprentice has completed six months of the apprenticeship.
The EIP is one of several initiatives supported through a $6 million State Apprenticeship Expansion Grant awarded to Labor’s Apprenticeship and Training Program in 2020 by the U.S. Department of Labor.
Useful Links:
Read the full press release.
Learn more about the Maryland Apprenticeship and Training Program.
Read previous Conduit Street coverage on Maryland apprenticeships.