(From right) Local 24 IBEW Business Manager Pete Demchuk, Local 24 President John Rankin, MD Chapter NECA Representative JT Thomas, Labor Secretary Kelly Schulz, Baltimore JATC Training Director Neil Wilford and a group of apprentices commemorate joining the Maryland Apprenticeship Ambassador Program.
The following is a press release issued by the MD Dept. of Labor, Licensing and Regulation:
BALTIMORE (Feb. 12, 2018) – Maryland Labor Secretary Kelly M. Schulz today welcomed the state’s oldest registered apprenticeship sponsor to the Maryland Apprenticeship Ambassador Program. The Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee for the Electrical Industry of Baltimore, a registered apprenticeship sponsor since 1961, joins the state’s incentive program to help raise awareness about registered apprenticeship.
“The Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee’s demonstrated commitment to apprenticeship makes them the perfect advocate for apprenticeship in Maryland,” said Labor Secretary Schulz. “Over their 56-year history, they have trained almost 2,000 apprentices. That experience will help us build upon our already successful program and expand apprenticeship to all industries and occupations throughout the state.”
Comprised of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 24 and the Maryland Chapter of the National Electrical Contractors Association, Inc., the Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee has a long history of training electrical apprentices.
“The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local Union 24, along with our partners the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA), is committed to apprenticeship training,” said John Rankin, president of the IBEW Local 24. “For more than 55 years, the apprenticeship program has provided the opportunity for men and women to work alongside highly skilled union electricians, in addition to classroom training at our state of the art training center. They earn while they learn, leading to a career – not just a job – earning $70,000 a year, plus benefits.”
Over the past 30 years, 1,331 electrical apprentices have completed apprenticeship training. Today, 343 electrical apprentices are in the program.
“Apprenticeship offers training, skills, and financial benefits that will change lives,” said Jonathan Thomas, executive director of the Maryland Chapter of the National Electrical Contractors Association. “The Maryland Apprenticeship Ambassador Program is a great promotional tool, and I applaud Governor Hogan and Secretary Schulz for acknowledging that apprenticeship offers a solid foundation, not just for a better career, but for a better life. The Baltimore electrical apprenticeship program and its affiliated contractors are honored to be recognized by the ambassador program.”
Apprenticeship ambassadors voluntarily cultivate and strengthen relationships with key stakeholders, encouraging job seekers and businesses to engage in apprenticeship opportunities. For their commitment, 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.
About Apprenticeship in Maryland
Since the beginning of the Hogan administration in January 2015, the number of registered apprentices has increased by nearly 20 percent. Today, more than 9,500 apprentices work in over 230 different occupations. In 2017, 15 new registered apprenticeship programs were created 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), Facebook and visit our website.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Theresa Blaner
Director, Communications and Media Relations
410-230-6241 (office)
443-721-8637 (cell)