ANNAPOLIS, MD - In honor of National Apprenticeship Week, Governor Wes Moore today launched the Governor’s Apprenticeship Pledge, an initiative to help make Maryland more competitive and position Maryland as a national leader in apprenticeship. The pledge, first signed by AstraZeneca, will commit industry leaders to creating or expanding existing apprenticeship programs, with the goal of recruiting 500 new employers, 5,000 new apprentices, and at least five additional public agencies to registered apprenticeship by this time next year. 

"The apprenticeship model is rooted in the notion that partnership produces progress – and nothing else does. We must bring together all corners of society, from the public and private sectors, to build pathways to skills and opportunity," said Gov. Moore. "Together, we are raising the bar and ensuring that Marylanders can access work, wages, and wealth, no matter their path. This week, we celebrate the promise and potential of that vision."

Registered apprenticeships provide opportunities for workers to “earn and learn.” While working on the job, employees receive intensive training and mentorship from skilled professionals, in addition to related classroom instruction. Apprentices are sponsored by an employer or association and are paid according to a progressive pay scale. Registered apprenticeships are good for business as they reduce turnover costs, increase productivity, make the workplace safer, and help build the workforce.

“AstraZeneca is pleased to take the Governor’s Apprenticeship Pledge as we continue to drive efforts to transform our workforce through apprenticeship,” said AstraZeneca Rockville Facility Executive Director and General Manager Brian Stamper. “Over the next year, AstraZeneca will partner with the Maryland Department of Labor to explore new ways to broaden our registered apprenticeship programs and ensure that diverse talent has the opportunity to gain valuable career experience by working alongside industry experts.”

Governor Moore also announced action to help make registered apprenticeships more accessible and affordable through Maryland’s community colleges, leveraging the Promise Scholarship Program. Eligible students can receive up to $5,000 to cover tuition and mandatory fee expenses after federal or state financial aid has been applied.

“We are glad to partner with the state’s community colleges to offer students participating in apprenticeships an opportunity to hone their skills," said Maryland Higher Education Commission Secretary Sanjay Rai. “Programs like the Promise Scholarship allow Marylanders to achieve career success with less debt and obtain jobs in areas with the greatest need - increasing the state's competitiveness and ensuring economic mobility for students."

To round out the program, Governor Moore presented Maryland’s 2024 Apprenticeship Awards, honoring apprentices, businesses, mentors, program sponsors, and others who have championed apprenticeship across Maryland.

2024 Maryland Apprenticeship Award winners include:

- Registered Apprentice: Carla Varela, Finishing Trades Institute

- Youth Apprentice: Franzy Servano, rising senior at Joppatowne High School working as a cybersecurity apprentice with Defense Interns

- Mentor: Kevin Gardner, Johns Hopkins Howard County Medical Center

- Employer: Hub Labels Inc., a manufacturing business located in Hagerstown

- Sponsor: Pohanka Automotive Technology Training Center, located in Salisbury

- Champion: Ashley Taylor, Local 5 Plumbers and Gasfitters Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee

- Local Workforce Board: Baltimore City Mayor’s Office of Employment Development

“This week we celebrate the gains Maryland has already made in expanding apprenticeship and set our sights on an ambitious year of growth,” said Maryland Department of Labor Secretary Portia Wu. “We salute the Maryland workers who are pursuing new paths to success for themselves and their communities through apprenticeship. And we recognize the mentors, employers, sponsors, and other champions who are leading the way to expand these opportunities to thousands more across Maryland.”