Governor Moore Announces Fulfillment of Governor’s Apprenticeship Pledge, Marking Record Growth in Apprenticeships

ANNAPOLIS, MD - Governor Wes Moore today announced that Maryland has achieved record growth and key milestones through the Governor's Apprenticeship Pledge, helping more Marylanders enter high-demand careers and earn while they learn. Launched in late 2024 in partnership with the Maryland Department of Labor and the Governor's Workforce Development Board, the pledge called on employers across Maryland to expand access to registered apprenticeships, and Maryland has surpassed all three goals established through the pledge.

"Apprenticeships are one of Maryland's most powerful tools for building pathways to good jobs and family-sustaining wages," said Gov. Moore. "A year after launching this pledge, we are seeing how partnership between employers, educators, labor, and state agencies can create real opportunity for every Marylander and strengthen the foundation of our economy."

Under the pledge, Maryland sought to engage 500 employers in registered apprenticeship programs, including at least five additional public agencies. In the past year, Maryland has partnered with more than 500 employers, including five state agencies and 17 regional, city-, and county-level public sector employers. Today more than 1,000 Maryland businesses, organizations, and agencies employ and train registered apprentices.

Maryland also set a goal to recruit more than 5,000 new registered apprentices and surpassed that goal by more than 200. More than 14,000 Marylanders participated in apprenticeship programs this year-an all-time high, including an increase of more than 1,500 registered apprentices compared to 2024. The expansion has created new pathways to economic opportunity for Marylanders statewide.

"Through apprenticeship, we're giving both workers and employers what they need to thrive: hands-on learning that leads to successful careers and a workforce prepared for the future," said Maryland Department of Labor Secretary Portia Wu. "It's exciting to see employers of all kinds discover the power of apprenticeship-in the public and private sector and across an ever-growing range of fields."

Maryland's rapid apprenticeship expansion spans both traditional trades and fast-growing sectors like information technology, healthcare, life sciences, and education. The programs connect Marylanders with on-the-job training, credentials, and sustainable career pathways-filling workforce gaps and fueling economic growth.

The Maryland Department of Health, for example, launched the nation's first environmental health specialist apprenticeship program in partnership with the Maryland Professional Employees Council and Morgan State University, enabling participants to obtain real-world public health experience. Through the program, apprentices participate in environmental science and public health coursework while acquiring field experience at local health departments throughout Maryland.

"We are grateful to the multi-agency coalition that worked with us to build this program," said Maryland Department of Health Secretary Dr. Meena Seshamani. "These skilled professionals will play a critical role in protecting public health and the environment, from keeping our food safe to controlling the mosquito population."

The Maryland State Department of Education and Maryland State Education Association launched the first statewide teacher registered apprenticeship program, which will help all 24 school districts in Maryland recruit, train, and retain future educators by providing them with a paid pathway to careers in the classroom-reducing the out-of-pocket cost of earning a degree and license.

"By taking a homegrown approach to teacher preparation, the apprenticeship program will help to close teacher shortages across the state," said State Superintendent of Schools Dr. Carey M. Wright. "The statewide apprenticeship program works hand-in-hand with the Maryland Grow Your Own Educators Grant Program to develop sustainable career pathways for aspiring teachers from local communities. These initiatives would not be possible without support from the Maryland Department of Labor and our school district partners."

Private sector employers embraced Maryland's apprenticeship expansion from day one of the Governor's Apprenticeship Pledge, and are already seeing strong results. Royal Farms and AstraZeneca-a life sciences sector leader launching a $2 billion manufacturing expansion in Maryland-were two of the earliest signers of the pledge.

"Signing the Apprenticeship Pledge reflects our commitment to strengthening Maryland's workforce," said Governor's Workforce Development Board Member and AstraZeneca Executive Director and General Manager of Cell Therapy Operations Brian Stamper. "We're proud to support our apprentices as they grow and build rewarding careers in the local life sciences sector."

"Royal Farms signed the Apprenticeship Pledge because we want to invest in the growth of our people and create real career pathways," said Royal Farms Talent Development Specialist Desiree Alexander. "The apprenticeship model has helped us strengthen our training pipeline, improve retention, and give employees a more structured, supportive path to leadership. We're seeing stronger skills, more consistency, and higher confidence in the people who complete it."

For more information about Maryland's registered apprenticeship programs visit labor.maryland.gov.

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The Maryland Department of Labor strives to create an equitable and inclusive Maryland where all residents have the opportunities and resources to attain financial stability, reach their career potential, and contribute to their communities; where businesses have access to capital and the skilled workforce they need to succeed; where workplaces are safe and well-regulated; and where the economy is resilient and growing. For updates and information, follow Labor on LinkedIn , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , and visit our website .

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Dinah Winnick