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Press Release: Youth Apprenticeship Pilot Program Awards Announced

Frederick and Washington County Public School Systems Selected for Innovative Career Training Opportunities

For Immediate Release                                       

Contact: Bill Reinhard, 410-767-0486, Dr. Lynne Gilli, 410-767-0518

Baltimore, MD (November 24, 2015)

Frederick and Washington County Public School systems have been awarded grants from the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) to launch the new Apprenticeship Maryland program.  Each local school system will receive $5,000 to pilot youth apprenticeships that prepare juniors and seniors to enter employment and further education in high-skill, high-growth sectors, such as healthcare, biotechnology, information technology, construction and design, banking and finance, and advanced manufacturing.

Apprenticeship Maryland is a collaborative effort involving three Maryland agencies. MSDE is administering the grant funds awarded through the Longview Foundation; the Maryland Department of Commerce is coordinating efforts with the state’s business community on developing apprenticeship opportunities; and the Department of Labor Licensing and Regulation (DLLR) is providing direct oversight of the apprenticeship programs.

“Maryland is poised to prepare all students for entry into rewarding careers and further education beyond high school,” said Dr. Jack R. Smith, Interim State Superintendent of Schools.  “Youth apprenticeships provide an outstanding opportunity for students to ‘earn and learn,’ while gaining credit toward graduation and industry-recognized credentials.”

Apprenticeship Maryland is designed to provide students with a combination of classroom and work-based learning.  In addition to the traditional pathways, students will be encouraged to participate in youth apprenticeships leading to sustainable employment and further education in pathways related to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).

“The Apprenticeship Maryland pilot programs in Frederick and Washington counties are an important and exciting new avenue for investment in the skills and talent of the next generation of Maryland workers,” said Commerce Secretary Mike Gill. “Maryland’s workforce can stand toe to toe with that of any other state or country around the world. But to compete in the global, dynamic and increasingly knowledge-driven 21st Century economy, it is imperative we continue to prepare our young people to work in the high-skill jobs of tomorrow.”

"The Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation is committed to bridging the gap between education and employment through Apprenticeship Maryland," said Labor Secretary Kelly M. Schulz. "We are working with the business community to implement a successful apprenticeship program for Maryland's youth that will directly translate to more opportunities for Maryland's workforce."

Funding was made possible by a grant to MSDE from the Longview Foundation for World Affairs and International Understanding.  Founded by William L. Breese, the foundation has been helping young people in the U.S. learn about world regions and global issues since 1966.


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