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Department of Labor’s Christopher Maclarion Awarded for Excellence by the Maryland State Department of Education

BALTIMORE (April 24, 2019) – Christopher Maclarion, the Department of Labor’s director of apprenticeship and training, was selected by the Maryland State Department of Education to receive the 2019 Career and Technology Education (CTE) Innovations in CTE Award of Excellence. The Award of Excellence recognizes the outstanding contributions of CTE business partners, leaders, and programs to prepare students for further education and careers in today’s workforce.

“We are extremely proud of Chris,” said Acting Labor Secretary James E. Rzepkowski. “His dedication to growing apprenticeship throughout our state is unparalleled. His hard work over the past three years has helped grow the Apprenticeship Maryland Program from a two-county pilot to a flourishing statewide program in nine counties.”

The Awards of Excellence acknowledge outstanding business partnerships, secondary and postsecondary programs, and change agents, as well as individuals who have set themselves apart for distinguished service. At an event last evening, Mr. Maclarion received special recognition for his innovations in career and technology education.

Career and technology education prepares both youth and adults for a wide range of careers. These careers require varying levels of education, from high school and postsecondary certificates, to apprenticeships, or two- and four-year college degrees. Students add value to their overall education by completing CTE programs of study that provide opportunities to earn industry-recognized credentials and college credit while still in high school.

Last year, the Apprenticeship Maryland Program (AMP) was approved as a new career and technology education program of study. The expansion has allowed additional Maryland school systems to offer high school students all aspects of an apprenticeship experience, including paid work-based learning, related classroom instruction, and one-on-one mentoring from an industry professional. In addition to the traditional pathways, students are encouraged to participate in youth apprenticeships leading to sustainable employment and further education in manufacturing and science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

“Mr. MacLarion is recognized for being a tireless champion for the implementation of Apprenticeship Maryland, a career and technology education program designed for youth who want to ‘earn and learn’ by beginning a rewarding career while in high school that leads to industry credentials and further education,” said Assistant State Superintendent Lynne M. Gilli.

The Awards of Excellence were sponsored by the Maryland State Department of Education, Division of Career and College Readiness (DCCR). The DCCR promotes quality career preparation and lifelong learning for Marylanders, and is responsible for the area of career and technology education.

About the Maryland Department of Labor
The Maryland Department of Labor 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 the Maryland Department of Labor on Twitter (@MD_Labor), Facebook and visit our website.

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