ANNAPOLIS, MD — Governor Wes Moore announced this week that Maryland has reached historic milestones in its workforce development efforts, officially fulfilling the targets set by the Governor’s Apprenticeship Pledge. One year after its launch, the initiative has driven record participation in registered apprenticeship programs, connecting thousands of Marylanders to high-demand careers.
The pledge, established in late 2024, challenged employers and public agencies to expand “earn-as-you-learn” opportunities across the state. According to data released by the Maryland Department of Labor, the state has now surpassed all three primary goals established by the program.
Surpassing the Pledge Milestones
Under the Governor’s Apprenticeship Pledge, the state set ambitious targets for employer engagement and recruitment. The final results for 2025 include:
- Employer Participation: The state sought to engage 500 employers. To date, Maryland has partnered with more than 500 employers, including five state agencies and 17 local public sector employers. More than 1,000 total organizations now employ registered apprentices statewide.
- New Apprentice Recruitment: The goal of recruiting 5,000 new apprentices was exceeded by more than 200 individuals.
- Record Participation: More than 14,000 Marylanders participated in apprenticeship programs this year—an all-time high for the state and an increase of more than 1,500 over 2024.
“Apprenticeships are one of Maryland’s most powerful tools for building pathways to good jobs and family-sustaining wages,” said Governor Moore. “We are seeing how partnership between employers, educators, labor, and state agencies can create real opportunity for every Marylander.”
Innovation in Public Health and Education
The expansion includes groundbreaking programs in sectors not traditionally associated with apprenticeships. The Maryland Department of Health recently launched the nation’s first environmental health specialist apprenticeship in partnership with Morgan State University. This program allows participants to earn public health credentials while working at local health departments.
Additionally, the Maryland State Department of Education has launched the state’s first registered teacher apprenticeship program. This initiative allows aspiring educators to work in classrooms while pursuing their degrees, significantly reducing out-of-pocket costs and helping to address the state’s teacher shortage.
Private Sector Support
Major private employers have also been instrumental in the program’s success. AstraZeneca, which is currently undergoing a $2 billion manufacturing expansion in Maryland, was an early signer of the pledge. Royal Farms has also seen success with the model, reporting improved employee retention and a stronger leadership pipeline…