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Hire an Apprentice - Maryland Apprenticeship and Training Program (MATP)

Registered apprenticeship is good for business.

  • Build your workforce. Registered apprenticeship trains workers in the specific skills needed by your company.
  • Reduce turnover costs. Registered apprentices boast an impressive 91% retention rate.*
  • Increase productivity. Apprentices report high levels of motivation, satisfaction, and loyalty. For every dollar spent on apprenticeship, U.S. employers get $1.47 back in increased productivity. **
  • Make your workplace safer. A well trained workforce may reduce worker compensation costs.
  • Plan for employee succession. Registered apprenticeships help you to successfully facilitate the transfer of knowledge from experienced employees to new recruits.
  • Take advantage of tax credits and financial incentives. Maryland offers businesses valuable support to build a reliable pipeline of qualified workers.

*According to U.S. Department of Labor statistics, 91% of apprentices remain on the job one year after employment.
**According to the U.S. Department of Labor.

Hire an Apprentice

What is a registered apprenticeship?

Registered apprenticeships are jobs where workers “earn and learn.” While working on the job, employees receive one-on-one full-time training from a skilled craftsperson as well as related classroom instruction. An apprentice is “sponsored” by an employer or association and is paid according to a progressive pay scale.

Learn how to start your own registered apprenticeship program and how registered apprenticeship can benefit your company - watch this 12 minute video with expert Apprenticeship Navigator Andre Keyser!

View the transcript of this video (Word)

What is a registered apprenticeship sponsor?

A registered apprenticeship sponsor is a business or association that manages a registered apprenticeship program that has been approved by the Maryland Apprenticeship and Training Council. A sponsor can also be the apprentice employer.

How do I hire a registered apprentice?

Step 1: Call 410-767-2246 to speak to an apprenticeship navigator.

Step 2: The apprenticeship navigator will connect you with an existing apprenticeship program or help you to develop a customized registered apprenticeship program, including on-the-job training and related classroom training.

Step 3: We will partner with you to present your plan for approval to the Maryland Apprenticeship and Training Council.

Step 4: Begin recruiting your apprentice! We can help you find talent through our statewide American Job Centers.

Note: The Maryland Department of Labor does not place individuals into apprenticeship programs. Sponsor and/or employers hire apprentices directly.

For assistance in becoming a registered apprenticeship sponsor, call 410-767-2246 today!

How long does it take to become a registered apprenticeship sponsor and hire a registered apprentice?

The simple four-step process typically takes 60 days or less. We will work with you to develop a targeted program for your company and identify qualified talent for your business as quickly as possible.

Do I get a tax credit for hiring a registered apprentice?

Yes! Thanks to the More Jobs for Marylanders Act signed by Governor Hogan, if you are an eligible registered apprenticeship sponsor or a participating/signatory employer who hired a registered apprentice in 2017, you may qualify for a $1,000 tax credit for each eligible registered apprentice.

Read more about the registered apprenticeship tax credit eligibility.
Download the registered apprenticeship tax credit application form.

Are there other financial incentives for hiring registered apprentices?

Yes! Governor Hogan announced the return of the Maryland Business Works program which may pay up to 50% of your eligible training costs up to $4,500 per apprentice and $40,000 per company, per program year if eligible. Depending on availability, the Apprenticeship Innovation Fund offers businesses grants of up to $50,000 for innovative apprenticeship solutions.

Should I be aware of any regulations?

Various regulations are in place to ensure compliance with Maryland law. Read the full text of regulations and please contact the apprenticeship team at 410-767-2246 if you have any questions.

What is the State Apprenticeship and Training Fund?

The State Apprenticeship and Training Fund (Fund) law provides that contractors and certain subcontractors performing work on certain public work contracts are required to make contributions toward apprenticeship. (See §17-601 through 17-606, State Finance and Procurement, Annotated Code of Maryland.) Contractors and subcontractors can contribute in one of three ways: (1) participate in a registered apprenticeship training program; (2) contribute to an organization that has a registered apprenticeship training program; or (3) contribute to the State Apprenticeship and Training Fund.

What is it like to be a registered apprenticeship sponsor?

Visit the Employer Success Stories page to see real life sponsors and hear their stories.

What is the Maryland Apprenticeship Ambassador Program?

The Maryland Apprenticeship Ambassador Program is an incentive program that raises awareness about registered apprenticeships and encourages job seekers and businesses to engage in apprenticeship opportunities. For more information about the program and how to apply, download the Maryland Apprenticeship Ambassador Summary and the Maryland Apprenticeship Ambassador Introductory Letter.


For additional information, contact:
Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning
Maryland Apprenticeship and Training Program

1100 N. Eutaw Street, Room 209
Baltimore, MD 21201
Phone: 410-767-2246
Fax: 410-333-5162
E-mail: info@mdapprenticeship.com