Hit the Ground Plumbin’ – Getting Apprentices to Work in Waste, Water, and Septic at #MACoCon

Environmental health specialists ensure residents have safe food, safe water, and a safe community, but these professionals are becoming more and more scarce. 

A nationwide shortage of environmental health specialists has forced government officials to get creative in establishing a pipeline of new candidates. A state, local, and university based collaboration is preparing to do just that. The Maryland Department of Health, in partnership with Morgan State University, is launching an Environmental Health Apprenticeship program. Local departments are joining the effort and will be looking to offer on-the-job learning opportunities so students in the program can get the hands-on learning they need to start off on the right foot with a local government.

  • Title: Hit the Ground Plumbin’ – Getting Apprentices to Work in Waste, Water, and Septic
  • Description: The Maryland Department of Health is working in conjunction with local universities to roll out an innovative environmental health apprenticeship program with the goal of establishing a pipeline of valuable specialists into this vital profession. While in-class instruction is important to learning the tricks of the trade, field experience will empower these future employees with the on-job skills they need to succeed quickly.  Learn from experts in the field about why apprenticeships are so valuable and how local governments can leverage new programs to get qualified candidates on the job faster.
  • Speakers:
    • Matthew Cumers – Environmental Health Director, Calvert County
    • D. Paul Monteiro – Maryland Secretary of Service and Civic Innovation
  • Moderator: The Honorable Senator Johnny Mautz
  • Date/Time: Thursday, December 7, 2023; 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm

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