May 11, 2021 - Minutes of Public Meetings - Apprenticeship and Training Council

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PRESENT:

COUNCIL MEMBERS
Brian S. Cavey - Chairperson Employee Representative
Shaunta Chapple - Public Representative
*Allen B. Clinedinst III - Employee Representative
Norbert R. Klusmann, Sr. - Employee Representative
David J. Wilson, Sr. - Employee
Leon W. Bromley - Employer Representative
Michelle L. Butt - Employer Representative
David Smarte - Employer Representative
Grant Shmelzer - Employer Representative

Ronald Leonard - USDOL/OA Consultant to the Council

*Mr. Clinedinst experienced technical difficulties in joining the virtual meeting and did not join until item 3 was presented.
**Public Representative Christine Banovic and Employee Representative Neil E. Wilford, Jr. notified Program Director Chris MacLarion that they were unable to attend before the meeting convened.

OTHERS:
James Rzepkowski - Assistant Secretary for Workforce Development and Adult Learning, Maryland Department of Labor
Erin Roth - Deputy Assistant Secretary, DWDAL
Lloyd Day - Director, Office of Workforce Development, DWDAL
Leza Griffith - Md. Dept. of Labor, OAG
Christopher D. MacLarion - Director, Maryland Apprenticeship and Training Program (MATP)
Jeffrey W. Smith - Program Manager, MATP
Kelton Addison - MATP
Ginamarie Best - MATP
Coral Crawford - MATP
Kevin L. Hunt - MATP
Sheila Jackson - MATP
Charles Marquette - MATP
David A. Minges - MATP
Faith Ramsburg - MATP
Jennifer D. Runkles - MATP
Wayne L. Salter - MATP
John P. Taylor - MATP
Robert J. Zimberoff - MATP
John Feaster - DWDAL
Natalie Clements - DWDAL
Lauren Gilwee - DWDAL
Grace Kelly - DWDAL
Angella Moon - DWDAL
Charles Wallace - Md. State Dept. of Education
Dr. Emily Dow - Assistant Secretary of Academic Affairs,
Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC)
Trish Gordon - Director of Academic Affairs, MHEC
Alicia Dennis - Md. Dept. of Labor
Roseanne Fish - DWDAL
Ellen Bredt - Reentry Navigator, DWDAL
Steve Mackey - Stanley Security
Adrienne Summers - Howard Community College
Becky Kemp - Maryland Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MD MEP)
Blair Phillips - John W. Tieder, Inc.
Georgeta Wainwright - Delaware Elevator
Rebekah Frater - Conagra
Tony Garcia - Amentum/DynCorp
James Hoos - Heat and Frost Insulators Local 24
Dr. Masica Jordan - Dr. Masica Jordan, LLC
Stephanie Strianse - Dr. Masica Jordan, LLC
Christopher Hadfield - Associated Builders & Contractors, Baltimore
Everette Jackson
Leighton McPhaull - Talent Management Coordinator,
Baltimore County Dept. of Economic
and Workforce Development
Leonard Howie - Director, Baltimore County Department of Economic
and Workforce Development
Linda Rhoads - Community College of Baltimore County - Catonsville
Liz Rodriguez
Romina Byrd - Miller & Long
Teresa Mena - DWDAL
Tonya Sweat
Juree Greer
Ron Schell
Jackie Anna
Katie Ciarrocchi
Matt McKinney
Brenda Sierra
Debby Curry
*Maryland Apprenticeship and Training Program Navigator Jane Sinclair informed Director MacLarion she was unable to attend the meeting.

Chairman Cavey called the meeting to order at 9:04 a.m.

I. ROLL CALL

Director MacLarion called the roll and stated a quorum was present.

II. Minutes of the January 12, 2021 and March 9, 2021 Maryland Apprenticeship and Training Council meetings.

A motion to approve the minutes was made by Mr. Shmelzer, seconded by Mr. Smarte and unanimously approved (Ms. Banovic, Mr. Clinedinst and Mr. Wilford absent).

III. OPENING REMARKS

Chairman Brian Cavey invited James Rzepkowski, Assistant Secretary for Workforce Development and Adult Learning (DWDAL), Maryland Department of Labor, to make opening remarks. Mr. Rzepkowski welcomed everyone to the meeting on behalf of Dept. of Labor Secretary Tiffany Robinson and the department’s leadership team. Mr. Rzepkowski thanked the Council and staff for their work and said this work was more critical than ever as Maryland approached economic recovery following the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Mr. Rzepkowski said the Dept. of Labor was considering plans to open offices to employees. Mr. Rzepkowski said apprenticeship program staff was considering hosting future Council meetings in-person rather than virtually. Mr. Rzepkowski said the packet of materials submitted for this council meeting was 618 pages so he would conclude his comments. Mr. Rzepkowski said the meeting was being recorded, this was a service of government, the recording would be government property, and would be subject to the Public Information Act. Thus, the public could gain access to the recording of the meeting. Mr. Rzepkowski said the intent of the recording was to record minutes, but the recording could be made available to the public. Mr. Rzepkowski thanked Chairman Cavey and concluded his comments.

Chairman Cavey offered to host the next in-person meeting at “… our brand-new facility …” then he introduced Erin Roth, DWDAL Deputy Assistant Secretary. Ms. Roth thanked the Chairman but said she would hold remarks because of the length of the agenda. Chairman Cavey then asked Maryland Apprenticeship and Training Program Director Chris MacLarion to begin the Director’s Report.

IV. DIRECTOR'S REPORT

A. Mr. MacLarion said this meeting was recorded to produce minutes. This meeting was also live streamed for the public, but the public was not able to communicate through the live stream. This recording could also be provided to the public following a public information request.

B. Mr. MacLarion said this was the seventh consecutive virtual meeting of the Council. He thanked the Council for all its work. He said their work has continued seamlessly despite the challenges presented by the pandemic. He said thanks to the Council’s work, apprenticeship has continued to grow even during the pandemic.

C. Apprenticeship Training Fund update:

• Total Fund Balance as of April 30th, 2021 after all obligations was $1,062,940.09
• March contributions: $7,914.51
• April contributions: $13,514.36
• $5,000 expenditure in April - National Association of Women in Construction sponsorship

D. Mr. MacLarion cited a U.S. Department of Labor news release stating that the Advisory Committee on Apprenticeship (ACA) was being reconstituted. On February 17, President Biden directed USDOL to re-establish the ACA to help develop a modern and streamlined apprenticeship system that works for all communities and all industries.

E. Mr. MacLarion said the Eligible Training Provider List (ETPL) continued to grow. Program Manager Jeff Smith completed a count the day before the Council meeting. The program went from 55 registered apprenticeship programs on the ETPL to a new high of 63. The ETPL represents a great access point for apprenticeship sponsors to reach potential new apprentices, as well as build relationships in local workforce areas. Mr. MacLarion offered staff assistance to anyone interested in joining the ETPL.

F. Mr. MacLarion said Apprenticeship Navigator Jane Sinclair was unable to attend the Council meeting because of a recent death in her family.

G. Mr. MacLarion introduced four new members of the apprenticeship program staff, Faith Ramsburg representing Baltimore County; Chuck Marquette, Baltimore City; Sheila Jackson, Howard and Carroll counties; and Coral Crawford who would conduct statewide quality and compliance reviews.

H. Mr. MacLarion said that at the end of the meeting the Council would discuss other business that carried over from the previous Council meeting, including discussion of the ratio, and how community colleges could work more closely with the apprenticeship program.

I. Mr. MacLarion concluded his report and asked if there were any questions.

A motion to accept the Director’s Report was made by Mr. Smarte, seconded by Mr. Klusmann and unanimously approved (Ms. Banovic, Mr. Clinedinst and Mr. Wilford absent).

*Before moving onto Old Business, Chairman Cavey said Mr. Clinedinst sent him a text message stating Mr. Clinedinst would join the meeting soon.

V. OLD BUSINESS

A. NEW PROGRAMS:

1. Stanley Security (Christopher D. MacLarion) - Occupation of Security and Alarm Systems Installer. Related instruction to be provided in Stanley Security facilities or online. (item 1) This item was tabled at the March 9, 2021 Council meeting at the request of Council members to see greater clarity in the flow of the related instruction.

Mr. MacLarion said this item was previously presented in March but was tabled to allow an opportunity to restructure the related instruction component. Mr. MacLarion said Steve Mackey and Dustin Henry of Stanley Security were in attendance. Mr. MacLarion detailed the many years of experience Mr. Mackey and Mr. Henry had with Stanley Security. Mr. MacLarion said Stanley Security was a part of the Black and Decker Corporation and was approved in January by USDOL as a registered apprenticeship sponsor. Mr. MacLarion said Mr. Mackey has been working closely with other states including Maryland to ensure Stanley’s apprenticeship program was properly registered. The sponsor’s location in Maryland was in Towson. Mr. MacLarion said the related instruction was reformatted and revised, and in some cases, extra hours and extra components were added.

Though he was unable to attend the meeting, Mr. MacLarion thanked Councilman Neil E. Wilford, Jr. for the time the councilman dedicated to reviewing the sponsor’s standards, for his in-depth technical assistance and his work to ensure the reformatted standards met minimum qualifications. Mr. MacLarion addressed Chairman Cavey and respectfully requested approval of the standards.

Chairman Cavey entertained questions from the Council.

Mr. Shmelzer said he had technical questions. Mr. Shmelzer said he saw what appeared to be traditional electrical items in the curriculum. Mr. Shmelzer asked the sponsor’s representatives how a bill that recently passed the Maryland General Assembly would affect the sponsor’s curriculum. The legislation impacted licensing of electricians. Mr. Shmelzer asked how the sponsor would respond to this legislation, and the need for licensed electrical journeyworkers. Mr. MacLarion said the law just passed and that the related regulations had not been formulated. Mr. MacLarion said once the regulations were available for review and consideration, several program sponsors would have to consider and abide by the new regulations.
Mr. Shmelzer asked if the sponsor’s supervisors are electricians and how the sponsor was handling its program in states with regulations similar to those that would be enacted with the new law in Maryland. Mr. Shmelzer asked, “how are you guys handling in states where licensure is already in place?”

John Feaster, who moderates the virtual meeting, stated that technical issues were preventing the sponsor’s representatives from speaking. Mr. MacLarion called Mr. Mackey on his phone so Mr. Mackey could speak via the phone’s speaker. Mr. Mackey said he was unable to hear Mr. Shmelzer’s question, so Mr. Shmelzer repeated his question. He asked if electricians would be supervising apprentices on the job, considering the on-the-job training included wiring, grounding and electrical work.

Mr. Mackey said install technicians who were licensed in low voltage and fully licensed electricians served as mentors depending on circumstances, but the mentorship would always be one-to-one.

Mr. Shmelzer said comparable occupations were typically three-year programs, but this was a two-year program. Mr. Shmelzer asked with the standard being three years in Maryland, what was the thought process in presenting a two-year program. Mr. Mackey said this was the first time he was asked to consider a three-year program; the standards that were federally recognized were for a two-year program. “We haven’t been asked to look at a three-year approach,” Mr. Mackey said. He said the sponsor followed the guidance of USDOL. He said the sponsor worked in a niche security system market and the apprentices would work in low voltage security system installation and maintenance, as well as fire alarm installation and maintenance. Mr. MacLarion said he worked with the sponsor to compare the standards to other electrical programs, and there was less related instruction required.

Mr. Shmelzer asked why, in year two of the program, portions of the curriculum were manufacturer specific. Mr. Shmelzer said in his experience, manufacturer-specific related instruction was not the best approach. Mr. Shmelzer asked why the content was not generic in nature. Mr. Shmelzer said it didn’t necessarily suit the apprentice to receive a manufacturer’s certification when general applications would have been more appropriate.

Mr. Mackey said the sponsor had a very select group of security system manufacturers with which the sponsor worked. Mr. Mackey said the sponsor integrated off-the-shelf products in a way that met the customer’s needs. The common work was the installation itself, then the programming of the equipment became exclusive to the manufacturer. Mr. Mackey said wiring of many of the components, such as cameras, was fairly standard, but installation of security hardware was specialized. Mr. Shmelzer said this proved his point, and that his bigger concern was that the apprentice would be trained in a niche industry, rather than learning general, transferable skills. Mr. Mackey said the knowledge necessary to install wiring, to make penetrations, rigging, and getting to the point where equipment was ready to be activated was common – cameras, cable, accessing a power supply, etc. Mr. Mackey said the training became specific once the installation reached the “brain part” of the system – the components that make a particular system work. Mr. Shmelzer said he viewed this as being “locked in” to a certain manufacturer. Mr. Shmelzer said he would have liked to have seen the curriculum presented in more generic terms.
Mr. Shmelzer thanked Chairman Cavey for the time to ask questions. Chairman Cavey then invited Mr. MacLarion to speak. Mr. MacLarion said it was not uncommon for a program to identify an industry leader in manufacturing components. Mr. MacLarion said that fundamentally, the scope of work in the sponsor’s standards was similar from manufacturer to manufacturer.

Mr. Mackey asked Chairman Cavey if he could speak, and Chairman Cavey approved. Mr. Mackey said he had prior experience in manufacturing, engineering and electrical work. While work inside panel boxes may vary from system to system, much of the work outside the panel box was universal.

Chairman Cavey said he worked in insulation and there were similar manufacturer certifications in his trade, but those certifications were not part of the related instruction portion of the standards. Chairman Cavey said that because the related instruction in the sponsor’s standards was manufacturer specific, the sponsor would have to amend the standards any time the manufacturer might change. If the standards were less specific, there would be no need for amendments. Mr. Shmelzer agreed that his point was the same as the Chairman’s. Mr. Mackey said the intent was to make apprentices “ready to go when they graduate.” He said the sponsor often hired people with many years of relevant experience, but they had to be re-trained to install specific systems.

Mr. MacLarion suggested that if the sponsor’s standards were approved, program staff would send a letter stating that standards would have to be amended should there be a future change in manufacturer.

A motion to approve this request for registration of Standards was made by Mr. Smarte, seconded by Mr. Shmelzer and unanimously approved (Ms. Banovic, Mr. Clinedinst and Mr. Wilford absent).

VI. NEW BUSINESS

A. NEW PROGRAMS:

1. Amentum/DynCorp International, LLC (Jane Sinclair) - Occupation of Aircraft Service Attendant. Related instruction to be provided in-house. Request for registration of an Affirmative Action Plan with apprentice selection procedures and goals and timetables for minority and female apprentices. (item 2)

Apprenticeship Program Manager Jeff Smith presented in Navigator Jane Sinclair’s absence.

Mr. Klusmann asked if the apprenticeship was only available to applicants who resided in the three counties listed in the standards. Mr. Smith said the three counties in the standards were closest to the location of the sponsor, but the sponsor would consider applications from other areas. Mr. Klusmann said he would like to see the reference to the counties removed.

A motion to approve this request for registration of Standards, and the Affirmative Action Plan with apprentice selection procedures and goals and timetables for minority and female apprentices to include the removal of the reference to three counties was made by Mr. Shmelzer, seconded by Mr. Klusmann and unanimously approved (Ms. Banovic, Mr. Clinedinst and Mr. Wilford absent).

Following this vote, Mr. Shmelzer asked to clarify if the Affirmative Action Plan was included in the vote. Chairman Cavey said the vote included approval of the AAP.

2. Conagra Brands, Inc. (Jennifer D. Runkles) - Occupation of Industrial Maintenance Technician. Related instruction to be provided online through Tooling U. (item 3)

Chairman Cavey said that Councilman Clinedinst joined the meeting before the vote on this item.

A motion to approve this request for registration of Standards was made by Mr. Smarte, seconded by Mr. Wilson and unanimously approved (Ms. Banovic and Mr. Wilford absent).

3. Dr. Masica Jordan, LLC (Ginamarie Best) - Occupation of Certified Peer Recovery Specialist. Related instruction to be provided in-house. Request for registration of an Affirmative Action Plan with apprentice selection procedures and goals for minority and female apprentices. (item 4)

Chairman Cavey asked for clarification that the Standards included an AAP. Ms. Best confirmed that an AAP was included.

Mr. Shmelzer asked for details about the aptitude test. Ms. Best said the referenced aptitude test was more of a personality test meant to see if a new apprentice would fit with the employer’s culture. Mr. Shmelzer asked if the test was created by the employer and said he didn’t want it to be a barrier to potential apprentices. Ms. Best asked the sponsor’s representative, Stephanie Strianse, to share more details about the aptitude test. Ms. Strianse said the aptitude test was a recovery specialist employability score. The assessment was created by the sponsor based on the seven domains for peer recovery specialists from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Ms. Strianse said the test would show how ready the peer was for employment. Ms. Best said more information was included in the packet.

A motion to approve this request for registration of Standards, and the Affirmative Action Plan with apprentice selection procedures and goals and timetables for minority and female apprentices was made by Mr. Smarte, seconded by Ms. Chapple and unanimously approved (Ms. Banovic and Mr. Wilford absent).

B. PROGRAM REVISIONS:

1. Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc. Baltimore Metropolitan Chapter (Christopher D. MacLarion) - Request for reactivation of the occupation of Drywall Applicator. (item 5)

A motion to approve this reactivation was made by Mr. Shmelzer and seconded by Mr. Wilson; Ms. Butt abstained, and all other councilmembers voted yea (Ms. Banovic and Mr. Wilford absent).

2. CMH, Inc., DBA CroppMetcalfe (Ginamarie Best) – Request for a modification of the approved sites for related Instruction. (item 6)

Ms. Best was temporarily unavailable so Chairman Cavey moved onto item 7 while explaining he intended to return to this item.

Upon returning to this agenda item, Ms. Best apologized. Ms. Best said she had received an important phone call related to this meeting and had to step away for a moment.

Mr. Shmelzer said there was a discrepancy between the number of journeyworkers and apprentices that would create an issue with the ratio. Ms. Best said this issue was addressed and the sponsor was within ratio.

A motion to approve the modification was made by Mr. Shmelzer, seconded by Mr. Smarte and unanimously approved (Ms. Banovic and Mr. Wilford absent).

3. Maryland Direct Care Professional Apprenticeship Program (Jeffrey W. Smith) Revision to the journeyworker rate and the progressive wage schedule. (item 7)

A motion to approve this revision was made by Mr. Smarte, seconded by Mr. Wilson, and unanimously approved (Ms. Banovic and Mr. Wilford absent).

4. Howard Community College (Jeffrey W. Smith) – Revision to add the occupation of Linux Systems Administrator with apprentice selection procedures for this occupation and a ratio of 1 journeyworker to 2 apprentices. (item 8)

Mr. Shmelzer said he had two concerns related to Appendix E which was provided with this item’s materials. Mr. Shmelzer quoted the appendix, “… students will be identified by current IT instructors …” Mr. Shmelzer asked if there were other methods to select apprentices. Mr. Smith said that was just one possible avenue for apprentices to join the program. Mr. Smith said there were other employers connected to the program and those employers would have the opportunity to refer apprentices as well. Mr. Smith said there would be a broad strategy to identify apprentices. Mr. Shmelzer said the broad strategy was not listed in the standards and asked for this broad strategy to be added. Mr. Smith said this would be addressed.

Mr. Shmelzer quoted another selection from the materials, “… students will either possess or are in the process of completing these prerequisites by the interview by HCC apprenticeship and HCC computer science faculty for the participating program …” Mr. Shmelzer said in his opinion the faculty should not be interviewing; the apprenticeship committee should be interviewing. Mr. Smith said the language intended to mean that the apprenticeship committee would be conducting the interviews. Mr. Smith said the language was meant to indicate the make up of the committee, and that the language could be clarified. Mr. Shmelzer said to the Council that he was concerned to see the community colleges doing the work as opposed to an apprenticeship committee including employers doing the work.

A motion to approve this revision to include Mr. Shmelzer’s suggested changes was made by Mr. Smarte, seconded by Mr. Klusmann and unanimously approved (Ms. Banovic and Mr. Wilford absent).

5. Independent Electrical Contractors, Inc. Chesapeake Chapter. (Jeffrey W. Smith) – Request for modification of the sites to be used for the delivery of related instruction. (item 9)
A motion to approve this modification was made by Mr. Smarte; Mr. Shmelzer abstained himself, Mr. Klusmann seconded and with Mr. Shmelzer abstained, the motion carried unanimously. (Ms. Banovic and Mr. Wilford absent).

6. John W. Tieder, Inc. (Robert J. Zimberoff) – Revision to Standards to allow for a School-to-Apprenticeship pathway. (item 10)
A motion to approve this revision was made by Mr. Smarte, seconded by Mr. Wilson and unanimously approved (Ms. Banovic and Mr. Wilford absent).

C. PROGRAM REVIEWS [Five (5) or More Apprentices]:

1. The Education Foundation of Baltimore County Public Schools (Robert J. Zimberoff).
(item 11)

Chairman Cavey said the report was very detailed.

A motion to accept this review was made by Mr. Shmelzer, seconded by Mr. Clinedinst and unanimously approved (Ms. Banovic and Mr. Wilford absent).

D. PROGRAM REVIEWS [Fewer Than Five (5) Apprentices]:

1. The following program reviews were performed and the programs were found to be conducted in a satisfactory manner. [No Council Action Required]:

a. Baltimore City Joint Apprenticeship Committee, City Union of Baltimore Local No. 800 –
Occupation of Housing Inspector (Robert J. Zimberoff). (item 12)

b. Delmarva Power - Occupation of Line Repairer (Robert J. Zimberoff). (item 13)

c. Dixon Valve and Coupling Company – Occupations of Machinist and six others (Kelton
Addison). (item 14)

d. Moon Services, Inc. – Occupations of HVACR Technician and Electrician (Kelton Addison).
(item 15)

e. MW Industries – Occupation of Tool & Die Maker (John Vontran). (item 16)

f. NLP Enterprises, Inc. – Occupation of Painter (Kelton Addison). (item 17)

E. PROVISIONAL REVIEWS:

1. Paquin Design/Build – Occupation of Architectural Drafter/Estimator (Robert J. Zimberoff).
(item 18)

A motion to accept this review was made by Mr. Shmelzer, seconded by Mr. Clinedinst and unanimously approved (Ms. Banovic and Mr. Wilford absent).

2. Technology Security Associates, Inc. (TSA, Inc.) – Occupation of Cyber Security Analyst
(Jane Sinclair). (item 19)

Mr. Smith presented this review in Ms. Sinclair’s absence.

A motion to accept this review was made by Mr. Smarte, seconded by Mr. Wilson and approved unanimously (Ms. Banovic and Mr. Wilford absent).

F. VOLUNTARY REQUEST FOR CANCELLATION OF STANDARDS OF APPRENTICESHIP:

1. Eaton Corporation effective March 17, 2021. (item 20)

Mr. MacLarion said he and program staff worked with Becky Kemp of the Maryland Manufacturing Extension Partnership, and asked the sponsor to leave the program inactive rather than cancelling their standards. The company was in the midst of reorganizing.

A motion to accept this voluntary cancellation was made by Mr. Clinedinst, seconded by Mr. Shmelzer and unanimously approved. (Ms. Banovic and Mr. Wilford absent).

** Chairman Cavey announced a comfort break at 10:23 a.m. and that the meeting would reconvene at 10:30 a.m.

G. OTHER BUSINESS:

1. Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc., Metropolitan Washington Chapter (Ginamarie Best) - Request to award a posthumous Certificate of Completion of Apprenticeship.
(item 21)

Mr. MacLarion suggested to Chairman Cavey that items 21 and 22 be combined in one vote. Chairman Cavey agreed to combine these items.

Mr. MacLarion asked to comment on these items and Chairman Cavey agreed to let him speak. Mr. MacLarion said councilmembers have noted a significant increase in requests for posthumous certificates. Mr. MacLarion said this was a result of continued outreach from staff to sponsors in general, and also the Council’s willingness to approve these items. This was also a result of an increase in staff. Mr. MacLarion said this type of work wouldn’t show up in data or statistics, but it represented a meaningful gesture for both sponsors and the families of those who received these certificates.

A motion to approve the awarding of posthumous certificates represented in items 21 and 22 was made by Mr. Smarte, seconded by Mr. Clinedinst and approved unanimously (Ms. Banovic and Mr. Wilford absent).

2. Plumbers and Steamfitters Local 486 JATC (John Vontran) – Request to award a posthumous Certificate of Completion of Apprenticeship. (item 22)

This item was combined with item 21 and approved as listed above.

3. Associated Builders and Contractors Inc., Chesapeake Shores Chapter (Jane Sinclair) – Request for after-the-fact registration and completion of an apprentice HVACR Technician. (item 23)

Mr. Smith presented in Ms. Sinclair’s absence.

Mr. Shmelzer asked if staff made sure there were no related prevailing wage violations. Mr. Smith said staff did make sure of this.

A motion to approve after-the-fact registration was made by Mr. Shmelzer, seconded by Mr. Smarte and unanimously approved (Ms. Banovic and Mr. Wilford absent).

4. Request for the approval of Good Shepherd Children’s Center to be an eligible employer for Apprenticeship Maryland (Youth) (Kelton Addison). (item 24)

Chairman Cavey said the next 18 items were for approvals of youth apprenticeship eligible employers. He asked if all youth items could be combined in one vote. Mr. Shmelzer asked to address each item individually.

Mr. Addison said he was anticipating the items being presented as a package and asked the Council for a moment to review his notes.

Mr. Shmelzer said he was concerned that youth apprenticeship was growing rapidly and he didn’t know that the Council was “in sync” with the Maryland State Department of Education when it came to related instruction. He said there was to be a meeting in two weeks to address this. Mr. Shmelzer asked Mr. MacLarion to comment.

Mr. MacLarion said in years past there were concerns from the Council that students were receiving related instruction in advance of becoming a youth apprentice, not concurrently. Mr. MacLarion said the youth apprenticeship items that were presented at this meeting were all concurrent. Mr. MacLarion said cases where students received related instruction in advance were extremely rare.

Mr. MacLarion said program staff worked with individual school systems to develop curriculums, but staff was working with MSDE to put a process in place to collect related instruction from every single school system listed on those packets. Mr. MacLarion said during this meeting, what was presented was the related instruction specific to the youth apprentices being employed.

A motion to approve this eligible employer application was made by Mr. Shmelzer, seconded by Mr. Klusmann, and unanimously approved (Ms. Banovic and Mr. Wilford absent).

5. Request for the approval of 360 Harford to be an eligible employer for Apprenticeship Maryland (Youth) (Kelton Addison). (item 25)
Mr. Shmelzer asked for the course name of the related instruction. Mr. Addison said the class name was Art Design. Charles Wallace, of MSDE, stated the exact course title, Printing and Graphics Communication. Mr. Shmelzer suggested to Mr. MacLarion that staff collect exact names for related instruction in the future. Mr. Addison said the information he had for the course name came directly from Harford County Public Schools.

A motion to approve this eligible employer application was made by Mr. Wilson, seconded by Mr. Clinedinst, and unanimously approved (Ms. Banovic and Mr. Wilford absent).

6. Request for the approval of Wilson Innovation Solutions to be an eligible employer for Apprenticeship Maryland (Youth) (Kelton Addison). (item 26)

A motion to approve this eligible employer application was made by Mr. Smarte, seconded by Mr. Wilson, and unanimously approved (Ms. Banovic and Mr. Wilford absent).

7. Request for the approval of Crockett Facilities Services, Inc. to be an eligible employer for Apprenticeship Maryland (Youth) (Ginamarie Best). (item 27)

Mr. Shmelzer said there were numerous classes listed, and asked exactly which class would be tied to this eligible employer. Ms. Best said the youth apprentice would receive courses related to HVAC but there were also options within the curriculum.

Mr. Clinedinst said there was a discrepancy in the wage in the packet. Ms. Best said this was a typographical error. Mr. MacLarion clarified that the payrate was $11.75 per hour.

A motion to approve this eligible employer application was made by Mr. Clinedinst, seconded by Mr. Smarte and unanimously approved (Ms. Banovic and Mr. Wilford absent).

8. Request for the approval of JPG Plumbing and Mechanical Services to be an eligible employer for Apprenticeship Maryland (Youth) (Ginamarie Best). (item 28)

Mr. Shmelzer asked if, upon completion of a youth apprenticeship, the student would receive one-year credit toward completion of the sponsor’s adult apprenticeship program. Ms. Best said the sponsor’s goal was to bring youth apprentices into the adult program. Mr. Shmelzer said he was concerned about the youth apprentice occupation being called a helper. Mr. Shmelzer said he thought the goal of the program was to give young adults an opportunity to achieve journeyworker status earlier in life. Ms. Best said the title of helper was used for lack of a better occupation title.

Mr. MacLarion said the sponsor’s standards still needed to be streamlined to move a youth apprentice into an adult apprenticeship. As of this meeting, completion of a youth apprenticeship would give a youth apprentice definite advantages in onboarding as an adult apprentice, though the youth apprentice would not necessarily receive hour-for-hour credit from the youth apprenticeship. Mr. MacLarion said he thought this item was “a major win” as did staff. Mr. MacLarion explained the onboarding process and some of the advantages to coming on as a youth apprentice.

Mr. Shmelzer said he viewed this item as a “tremendous win” as well and that staff was doing a great job.

Mr. Shmelzer said perhaps the Council could strongly encourage unions to give youth apprentices a year’s worth of credit.

Mr. Klusmann said he believed youth apprentices should receive credit, though he did not say how much credit.

Chairman Cavey said he had attempted to increase direct-entry opportunities in general including youth apprenticeship. Chairman Cavey said when he was an apprentice, he was called a helper, and he was called a helper throughout his apprenticeship as were his peers at the time. Chairman Cavey said the meaning of helper has changed through the years. Chairman Cavey said maybe it would be better to use industry-specific titles such as “plumbing helper.” Chairman Cavey asked for Mr. Shmelzer’s thoughts.
Mr. Shmelzer said he didn’t want to interrupt progress, but it would be useful to address occupation titles such as “helper” in the future. Chairman Cavey suggested adding trade-specific titles to “helper” might adequately address the issue.

Mr. Wallace said educating the public on the programs, and educating potential sponsors, on what students gained from the program would be helpful. He said there was still a disconnect, and having a consistent, clear occupation title, would help with educating the public.

Mr. Clinedinst asked if a portion of the language referring to grass cutting could be reworded. Chairman Cavey suggested changing the language to facility maintenance. Mr. MacLarion said that change could be made.

A motion to approve this eligible employer application to include a clarification of language was made by Mr. Clinedinst, seconded by Mr. Klusmann and unanimously approved (Ms. Banovic and Mr. Wilford absent).

9. Request for the approval of Master Plumbing and Mechanical to be an eligible employer for Apprenticeship Maryland (Youth) (Ginamarie Best). (item 29)

Mr. MacLarion presented on behalf of Ms. Best who was unable to find her notes.

Mr. Shmelzer said with traditional apprenticeship occupations being approved for youth apprenticeship during this meeting, language was becoming standardized, and he wanted to point this out to the Council. Mr. MacLarion said staff was working diligently to align youth apprentices with full, traditional apprenticeship programs. Mr. MacLarion said the 16 youth apprenticeship eligible employer applications considered by the Council in this meeting were more than the total number of applications approved during the COVID-19 Pandemic, and he expected to see the number of applications grow. Mr. MacLarion said that staff would continue to work to align youth apprenticeship with traditional adult programs whenever possible.

A motion to approve this eligible employer application was made by Mr. Shmelzer, seconded by Mr. Smarte and unanimously approved (Ms. Banovic and Mr. Wilford absent).

10. Request for the approval of Jenkins Collision Center to be an eligible employer for Apprenticeship Maryland (Youth) (Jennifer R. Runkles). (item 30)

Mr. Shmelzer asked if the applicant was an adult program sponsor. Ms. Runkles said no.
Chairman Cavey said his relatives had used the applicant’s services in the past and they did good work.

A motion to approve this eligible employer application was made by Mr. Smarte, seconded by Mr. Clinedinst and unanimously approved (Ms. Banovic and Mr. Wilford absent).

11. Request for the approval of 17/71 Architectural Studio, LLC to be an eligible employer for Apprenticeship Maryland (Youth) (Jane Sinclair). (item 31)

Mr. Smith presented in Ms. Sinclair’s absence.

A motion to approve this eligible employer application was made by Mr. Klusmann, seconded by Mr. Clinedinst and unanimously approved (Ms. Banovic and Mr. Wilford absent).

12. Request for the approval of American Electronic Warfare Associates, Inc. to be an eligible employer for Apprenticeship Maryland (Youth) (Jane Sinclair). (item 32)

Mr. Smith presented in Ms. Sinclair’s absence.

Mr. Shmelzer pointed out a typographical error in the memo stating Harford County. Mr. Smith acknowledged that the language should state St. Mary’s County.

A motion to approve the eligible employer application was made by Mr. Clinedinst, seconded by Mr. Smarte and unanimously approved (Ms. Banovic and Mr. Wilford absent).

13. Request for the approval of Atkinson Aeronautics and Technology, Inc. to be an eligible employer for Apprenticeship Maryland (Youth) (Jane Sinclair). (item 33)

Mr. Smith presented in Ms. Sinclair’s absence.
Based on what he saw in the related instruction materials, Mr. Shmelzer asked if 10th and 11th graders were eligible to be youth apprentices. Mr. Smith said 11th grade students were eligible, but 10th grade students were not. Mr. Smith said the materials for related instruction were presented to show how the program works. Mr. Shmelzer said this was his big sticking point. Mr. Shmelzer asked if seniors or juniors would take a particular class and when the related instruction would occur. Mr. Smith said the intent would be for youth apprentices to start as juniors and the related coursework for grade 11 was the Aviation Technology II course. Mr. Shmelzer said he didn’t know how a junior would be able to take the coursework and also have time for on-the-job training. Mr. Shmelzer asked staff to keep a close eye on similar issues. Mr. Smith said seniors could potentially take the class as well, but that it was also eligible to juniors.

A motion to approve the eligible employer application was made by Mr. Smarte, seconded by Mr. Bromley, and unanimously approved (Ms. Banovic and Mr. Wilford absent).

14. Request for the approval of Coherent Technical Services, Inc. to be an eligible employer for Apprenticeship Maryland (Youth) (Jane Sinclair). (item 34)

Mr. Smith presented in Ms. Sinclair’s absence.

Mr. Smarte said the materials for this item stated the program was available to 10th and 11th graders. He said he was concerned about a 10th grader’s ability to complete. Mr. Smarte asked staff to keep an eye on these types of issues. Mr. Smith said the course descriptions come directly from the school’s course catalog, and this showed the earliest grade this course was available to all students, but in the case of a youth apprentice, the student would take this course in 11th grade.

A motion to approve the eligible employer application was made by Mr. Bromley, seconded by Mr. Clinedinst, and unanimously approved (Ms. Banovic and Mr. Wilford absent).

15. Request for the approval of Naval Systems, Inc. NSi to be an eligible employer for Apprenticeship Maryland (Youth) (Jane Sinclair). (item 35)

Mr. Smith presented in Ms. Sinclair’s absence.
Mr. Shmelzer said he was concerned about when the related instruction was occurring and that staff “… would have a lot of bird dogging to do. …” Mr. Smith said staff would have a conversation with the related youth apprenticeship coordinator at the school.

A motion to approve this eligible employer application was made by Mr. Shmelzer, seconded by Mr. Bromley and unanimously approved (Ms. Banovic and Mr. Wilford absent).

Following the vote on this item, Chairman Cavey said he had a general question since the same concerns were raised about the past three or four items. Chairman Cavey asked about the timing of related instruction and on-the-job training, especially considering some of these classes would be available to sophomores. Mr. Smith said the instruction was intended to be concurrent with the youth apprenticeship program, but if a youth apprentice received instruction as a sophomore, then upon entering the youth apprenticeship program as a junior, the apprentice would receive the more advanced related instruction. Chairman Cavey said if these classes were taken by sophomores, they would be taking the classes early, considering youth apprenticeship was only available to juniors and seniors. Chairman Cavey said, compared to adult apprenticeship programs, if students take classes as sophomores, but don’t start a youth apprenticeship until they’re juniors, then the students would get something like previous credit. Chairman Cavey asked if youth apprentices would receive similar consideration for advance credit if they took classes as sophomores. Mr. Smith said that staff has communicated to school systems that the related instruction was intended to be concurrent with youth apprenticeship.

Chairman Cavey asked Mr. Shmelzer to comment. Mr. Shmelzer said schools were ramping up the youth apprenticeship program. Mr. Shmelzer said in his opinion schools were transitioning work-based learning into the Apprenticeship Maryland Program (AMP) model. Mr. Shmelzer said he thought it was the Council’s responsibility and obligation to make sure the criteria and good faith efforts were still being met by the school systems or related instruction providers concurrently for the welfare of the students while the students also received on-the-job training.

16. Request for the approval of Ensor Plumbing to be an eligible employer for Apprenticeship Maryland (Youth) (Jeffrey W. Smith). (item 36)

Mr. Smith presented in Ms. Sinclair’s absence.

A motion to approve the eligible employer application was made by Mr. Shmelzer, seconded by Mr. Smarte and unanimously approved (Ms. Banovic and Mr. Wilford absent).

17. Request for the approval of Caroline County Public Schools to be an eligible employer for Apprenticeship Maryland (Youth) (Robert J. Zimberoff). (item 37)

Mr. Shmelzer said he was struggling to understand the food services occupation. Mr. Zimberoff said Caroline County Public Schools had a relationship with the Culinary Arts Center in Denton, which had three different types of kitchens -restaurant, commercial catering and pastry. Mr. Zimberoff said the students would receive both related instruction and on-the-job training at this facility. Mr. Shmelzer asked what the job would be after the program was completed. Mr. Zimberoff said the student would continue to work in food services in the school system. Mr. Shmelzer said he was struggling with the food services occupation.

Mr. MacLarion said, looking at school systems, one of the best things that could happen would be for a student to continue as a school system employee after completing AMP, whether it’s in food service or maintenance. Mr. MacLarion said they were good employment opportunities and they were lifelong in many cases. Mr. MacLarion said, in the long term, staff would continue to work to create adult apprenticeship programs to synergize with the youth apprenticeship program.

Chairman Cavey said he thought there would be other entities that had food service, and this could lead to a career in catering as well. Mr. Smarte said the food services youth apprentice could also go to culinary school. Mr. Smarte said he would like to see the high school work with a culinary school to create that pathway. Mr. Zimberoff said the culinary center in Denton also acted as an incubator and numerous businesses in the industry rented the kitchens, so the youth apprentice had an opportunity to network and move onto other careers simply by working at the facility. Ms. Chapple said nursing homes and hospitals also employee food service professionals.

A motion to approve this eligible employer application was made by Ms. Butt, seconded by Mr. Bromley and unanimously approved (Ms. Banovic and Mr. Wilford absent).

18. Request for the approval of Crystal Steel Fabricators, Inc. to be an eligible employer for Apprenticeship Maryland (Youth) (Robert J. Zimberoff). (item 38)

A motion to approve this eligible employer application was made by Mr. Bromley, seconded by Mr. Wilson and unanimously approved (Ms. Banovic and Mr. Wilford absent).

19. Request for the approval of the Dorchester Chamber of Commerce to be an eligible employer for Apprenticeship Maryland (Youth) (Robert J. Zimberoff). (item 39)

Mr. Shmelzer said this opportunity seemed more like an internship versus a youth apprenticeship. Mr. Shmelzer said he was concerned who the mentor would be and asked if it would be the Chamber’s president. Mr. Zimberoff said the mentor would be the president but also a full-time staffer who had experience in the same role as the youth apprentice. Mr. Zimberoff said the youth apprentice would be expected to interface with the public and business leaders, help with events and administration. Mr. Shmelzer said this was a lot of responsibility to be expected from a youth apprentice and that he had concerns.

Mr. MacLarion said other occupations like the one in this item were previously approved for youth apprenticeship with the idea that the youth apprentice would exit into a career position. Mr. MacLarion said that one of the requirements of youth apprenticeship was that the opportunity would not be an internship, summer job or placement of youth labor that didn’t result in an anticipated full-time position. Mr. MacLarion said the Council debated similar positions in the past. Mr. MacLarion said one of the determinations for eligible employer approval was if the youth apprenticeship lead to a career opportunity, and this was the case for this item.

A motion to approve the eligible employer application was made by Ms. Butt, seconded by Mr. Bromley and unanimously approved (Ms. Banovic and Mr. Wilford absent).

20. Request for the approval of Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Resort, Spa and Marina to be an eligible employer for Apprenticeship Maryland (Youth) (Robert J. Zimberoff). (item 40)

Mr. Smarte said his opinion was that the two occupations presented for approval were not apprenticeable trades. He said he didn’t understand why the occupations were on the agenda. Chairman Cavey asked Mr. Smarte if he was asking specifically about apprenticeable skills. Mr. Smarte said this was what he meant. Mr. Zimberoff said these were entry level occupations, but the applicant was the largest private employer in Dorchester County, and there were opportunities for youth apprentices to move onto a more significant role. Mr. Shmelzer said he agreed with Mr. Smarte. Mr. Shmelzer said the applicant provided great training materials, but he didn’t view the occupations as well suited for youth apprenticeship.

A motion to deny this eligible employer application was made by Mr. Smarte, seconded by Mr. Shmelzer and unanimously denied. (Ms. Banovic and Mr. Wilford absent).

21. Request for the approval of John W. Tieder, Inc. to be an eligible employer for Apprenticeship Maryland (Youth) (Robert J. Zimberoff). (item 41)

Mr. Shmelzer said he was struggling with how a youth apprentice would have enough time for related instruction and on-the-job training in the junior year. Mr. Shmelzer said he was concerned about the “laborer” occupation since the youth apprentice would be trained to work with electrical components.
Mr. MacLarion said youth apprenticeship was a junior and senior year eligible program. Mr. MacLarion said the program required 450 hours of on-the-job training in total, and the youth apprentice could potentially work minimal hours in the junior year. Mr. MacLarion said since the sponsor was also approved for a school-to-apprenticeship pathway earlier in the meeting, that a youth apprentice also being registered as an apprentice in the adult program would alleviate concerns related to the laborer occupation.

A motion to approve this eligible employer application was made by Ms. Butt, seconded by Mr. Bromley, and unanimously approved (Ms. Banovic and Mr. Wilford absent).

Chairman Cavey said the agenda was transitioning away from youth apprenticeship eligible employer items, and he asked Mr. Wallace if he would like to share any thoughts. Mr. Wallace said he was listening to the youth apprenticeship application for one of the items in Dorchester County. Mr. Wallace said students who participate in Dorchester County Public Schools’ culinary programs sometimes went on to work at the Hyatt, so perhaps there were other opportunities for youth apprenticeship. Mr. Wallace thanked the Council and the Chairman. Mr. Wallace said he thought the Council was making youth apprenticeship stronger and better. Mr. Wallace said it was good to see great opportunities getting approved and others being reworked.

Chairman Cavey invited Ron Leonard, USDOL/OA Consultant to the Council, to speak. Mr. Leonard said a new U.S. Secretary of Labor was approved since the previous Council meeting. Mr. Leonard said the new Secretary was familiar with apprenticeship and a supporter of apprenticeship.

22. Discussion about the Council’s interaction and relationship with community college partners continued from the March 2021 Council meeting; formation of related subcommittee consisting of members from the apprenticeship program and Council, Maryland Higher Education Commission and Maryland State Department of Education (Christopher D. MacLarion)

Mr. MacLarion said during the March Council meeting, staff committed to holding a meeting with the apprenticeship program’s partners in the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) and within MSDE, to see if this group could work together and form a subcommittee to continue this work together. Mr. MacLarion said Mr. Rzepkowski hosted a meeting with staff from these organizations, and there was a productive conversation at the meeting. Mr. MacLarion introduced Trish Gordon, MHEC Director of Academic Affairs, and said MHEC was extremely supportive of expanding this conversation and expanding the relationship between community colleges and the Council. Ms. Gordon thanked Mr. MacLarion and the Council for the invitation to partner and said there were many opportunities to move forward and work toward consistency that worked well for all partners. Chairman Cavey and Mr. MacLarion thanked Ms. Gordon for joining the meeting.

Mr. MacLarion said staff worked with these partners to establish some key points:

• Working together to establish consistency in articulation agreements as well as requirements for articulation
• Standardizing the roles and responsibilities that community colleges hold in relation to apprenticeship, such as being a sponsor, providing related instruction, providing facilities and space for related instruction, as well as making sure that the alignment of related instruction was being dictated by sponsors and industry
• Trying to formalize and enhance the participation of all colleges throughout the State of Maryland in the U.S. Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeship College Consortium.

Mr. MacLarion proposed forming a subcommittee consisting of MHEC Assistant Secretary for Academic Affairs Dr. Emily Dow, Mr. Rzepkowski, Ms. Roth, Mr. MacLarion and Ms. Gordon, along with three community college representatives and three Councilmembers. The intention was to meet soon.
A motion to approve the formation of this subcommittee was made by Mr. Shmelzer, seconded by Mr. Wilson and unanimously approved (Ms. Banovic and Mr. Wilford absent).

Chairman Cavey asked Mr. Rzepkowski if anything was needed from the Council to identify Councilmembers who might like to join the subcommittee. Mr. Rzepkowski said if more than three Councilmembers were interested in joining the subcommittee, staff would contact Chairman Cavey to discuss who should join. Mr. Rzepkowski thanked Dr. Dow for joining this meeting. Dr. Dow said she looked forward to working on this partnership. Chairman Cavey suggested that with three members from the Council expected, he would expect one from employee side, one from employer side and one from the public side to join the subcommittee. Chairman Cavey volunteered, Mr. Shmelzer volunteered and Ms. Chapple volunteered to join the committee – one employee representative, one employer representative and one public representative. Chairman Cavey approved the volunteers.

23. Council’s review of ratio guidance provided by USDOL, formation of relevant Ratio Subcommittee.
Chairman Cavey asked if the current Ratio Subcommittee could serve as the subcommittee proposed by Mr. MacLarion. Since the former public representative who served on this subcommittee no longer served on the Council, Chairman Cavey asked Ms. Chapple if she would serve on the subcommittee, and she agreed to serve. Mr. MacLarion reminded the Council of the subcommittee membership including Chairman Cavey as employee representative, Mr. Smarte as employer representative, Mr. Shmelzer as employer representative, Mr. Klusmann as employee representative, and Ms. Runkles who would be replaced by Ms. Chapple as public representative. Chairman Cavey asked Councilmembers if they approved of this composition and Councilmembers approved.

Mr. MacLarion mentioned a few of the key points he thought should be addressed:

• New guidance mandates a 1-to-1 for all minors. Mr. MacLarion said he believed the program was relatively in compliance but this was worth reviewing
• State program ratio guidance was focused mostly on construction, but the new USDOL guidance added transportation, mining and agriculture, and the subcommittee should consider addressing these other industries
• A change in how statistics would be gathered to be in line with the guidance
• Explore participation in OSHA alliance to make sure the state program was in compliance
• Reporting language related to fatalities
• Rescission language

Mr. MacLarion said these were the six bigger points the subcommittee should consider. Chairman Cavey asked if Mr. MacLarion would schedule a meeting of the subcommittee. Mr. MacLarion said he would. Mr. MacLarion said the subcommittee should take a good look at this partly because of related grant funding.

IX. ADJOURNMENT
Chairman Cavey entertained a motion for adjournment. Mr. Smarte moved to adjourn. Meeting adjourned at 12:25 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Christopher D. MacLarion
Secretary
Maryland Apprenticeship and Training Council