Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing & Regulation
500 N. Calvert Street ~ Baltimore, Maryland 21202
Larry Hogan, Governor – Boyd K. Rutherford, Lt. Governor – Kelly M. Schulz, Secretary
**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
MEDIA CONTACT:
Theresa Blaner
Theresa.blaner@maryland.gov
O: (410) 230-6241
C: (443) 721-8637
State Announces Maryland Apprenticeship Ambassador Program
Region Manufacturing Institute of Maryland
BALTIMORE (Jan. 17, 2018) – Today, Maryland Labor Secretary Kelly M. Schulz announced the launch of the Maryland Apprenticeship Ambassador Program, an incentive program that raises awareness about registered apprenticeships and encourages job seekers and businesses to engage in apprenticeship opportunities. The announcement was made at an event hosted by the Regional Manufacturing Institute (RMI), the first organization to be named an apprenticeship ambassador.
“Since day one, our administration has been committed to connecting Maryland job creators with the skilled workers they need to succeed in today’s competitive economy,” said Governor Hogan. “This program will encourage more Marylanders to seek apprenticeship opportunities, building a stronger workforce and giving businesses the tools they need to grow and continue to improve our economy.”
Apprenticeship ambassadors demonstrate a high commitment to apprenticeships and/or employ apprentices in their workforce, maintain a high profile in their sector or geographical area, and/or represent a broad membership of workforce stakeholders.
“No one knows better the power of apprenticeship than our industry leaders, like RMI,” said Labor Secretary Kelly Schulz. “They know firsthand that apprenticeship creates a pipeline of qualified talent for Maryland job creators. That experience makes them natural spokespeople, who can champion apprenticeship throughout the state and help make registered apprenticeship available for all Marylanders in all industries and occupations.”
Ambassadors undertake their role on a voluntary basis by cultivating and strengthening relationships with key stakeholders, including students, parents, educators, business owners, elected officials, trade associations, and employment bodies. They advance and support outreach activities and events, raising awareness about registered apprenticeships as Maryland’s premiere workforce solution and driving stakeholders to action.
RMI, the state’s first apprenticeship ambassador, is an innovative and forward-thinking leader in the manufacturing industry with a broad group of stakeholders including manufacturers, academia, government, and non-profit trade organizations. RMI recognizes the value of registered apprenticeships and the potential impact they have on growing Maryland’s manufacturing industry, a key priority for the Hogan administration. Their long-time advocacy for innovative workforce solutions makes RMI a perfect match for the ambassador program.
“The Maryland Apprenticeship Ambassador Program is a significant unifying movement, and I applaud Governor Hogan and Secretary Schulz for making apprenticeship a priority,” said RMI President Mike Galiazzo, Ph.D. “Apprenticeship is a meaningful bridge to good-paying jobs in today’s high-tech manufacturing industry – from digital tech to biotech, and from cyber to material sciences. The Regional Manufacturing Institute of Maryland is honored to be the first to join this program, which is a national model addressing the workforce needs of all industries.”
For their commitment, apprenticeship ambassadors receive special recognition from the Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation, customized advice and counsel on navigating the Maryland Apprenticeship and Training Program, the latest in apprenticeship news and emerging workforce trends, and valuable media exposure.
Since the beginning of the Hogan administration in January 2015, the number of registered apprentices has grown to approximately 9,600, a nearly 20 percent increase. Additionally, 15 new registered apprenticeship programs were created in 2017 and seven were re-activated, resulting in a record year for the program.
For more information about registered apprenticeships or to be considered for a Maryland apprenticeship ambassadorship, contact info@mdapprenticeship.com or call 410-767-2246.
About DLLR
The Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (DLLR) is committed to safeguarding and protecting Marylanders. We’re proud to support the economic stability of the state by providing businesses, the workforce, and the consuming public with high-quality, customer-focused regulatory, employment, and training services. For updates and information, follow DLLR on Twitter (@MD_DLLR) and Facebook, and visit our website.