Business Apprenticeship Information
About
Apprenticeships are another tool to help businesses build their talent pipeline and contribute to the growth and retention of employees.
Advancing Apprenticeships in 2025
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Businesses served increased from 69 to 89 (29% growth)
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Total events and collaborations grew from 70 to 130 (nearly doubled)
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Employer incentives increased from $135,000 to $150,000
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New apprenticeship programs expanded, with 15 programs developed
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30 new apprentices hired, strengthening the talent pipeline
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Outreach became more targeted, with total outreach shifting from 1,884 to 1,418 to focus on high-impact engagement
2025 Local Incentive Highlights
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In 2025, the Howard County Office of Workforce Development's Apprenticeship Opportunity Program awarded $150,000 in employer incentives — supporting 15 approved AOP employers, nine of which were newly engaged in the program. 30 apprentices were hired, with primary activity concentrated in Electrical, Education, and Healthcare occupations, reflecting both sustained employer demand and the program's strategic focus on high-growth industries.
Howard County Apprenticeship Overview | 2017-2025
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Howard County’s apprenticeship programs show strong and steady growth from 2017 to 2025. The number of active sponsors has consistently increased from 6 to 24, reflecting expanding employer participation. At the same time, the number of apprentices has grown overall to 1,582, demonstrating increasing engagement and opportunity. Together, these trends highlight a positive upward trajectory in both program capacity and participation.
Howard County Residents in Active Registered Apprenticeships
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Howard County residents participating in registered apprenticeships demonstrate strong, sustained growth over time. Participation increased from 252 in 2017 to a high of 365 in 2022 and remains strong at 334 in 2025. This continued momentum reflects growing interest, expanding opportunities, and steady progress toward the program’s goal of 350 participants.
Employer Incentive Participants
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The Howard County Apprenticeship Opportunity Program for 2024–2025 awarded $285,000 in employer incentives, supporting 26 active apprenticeship sponsors and resulting in 57 new registered apprentices. Participating employers include The Goddard School, Highland Playschool, Health Tech Alley, BP Auto Care, Tiki’s Playhouse, Inc., Pools Unlimited, Inc., Benfield Electric, Kindred Hair & Skin Center, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Little Minds Learning Center, Building Kidz School, VRG, Koffel Compliance, Liston Electric, Lorien Health Services, Legends Barber Co., Plamondon Hospitality Partners, BOPAT Electric Co., Snyder Electric Inc., Cradlerock Children’s Center, and Blooming Buds Learning Center.
Apprenticeship Opportunity Program
If you're an eligible business looking to create or reactivate an apprenticeship program, you could receive up to $20,000 to offset the cost of hiring new apprentices. Click the button below to learn more.
Job Seeker Resources
We’re here to help you prepare for success. Our team offers career counseling, training referrals, and other support services to guide you on your path. Although we can't guarantee job placement, we’ll help you take the right steps toward your goals.
Apprenticeships are run by employers who make all hiring decisions. While we don't place candidates directly, we connect you to current opportunities across Maryland. To search for active apprenticeship programs and participating employers, visit the Maryland Apprenticeship Locator.
Upcoming Apprenticeship Events
Apprenticeship Newsletter
Stay informed with our monthly newsletter for Howard County businesses, offering insights, resources, and apprenticeship success stories.
