The Maryland Apprenticeship Connector, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at future-proofing Maryland’s workforce, announced its official launch during National Apprenticeship Week earlier this month. MAC will leverage the leadership, expertise, and resources of its founding partners, the Maryland Center for Construction Education & Innovation, Health Tech Alley, and Carroll Technology & Innovation Council, to support and strengthen Maryland’s apprenticeship ecosystem.
MAC’s mission centers on demystifying and elevating the apprenticeship experience for employers, transforming societal perspectives on career development, and positioning itself as the essential bridge for employers seeking to foster business growth and adopt a modern approach to talent development challenges.
“We were thrilled to officially launch during National Apprenticeship Week, as it perfectly aligns with our mission and goals,” shares Yvette Diamond, MAC’s Executive Director. “MAC represents a significant step forward in aligning the needs of Maryland’s employers with developing the skills of our workforce. By harnessing the power of apprenticeships, we not only address immediate operational needs but also strategically prepare for future workforce demands.”
MAC exists to illuminate the value of apprenticeships, championing them as an essential pathway across all industries. The organization’s approach includes centralizing information, researching and modeling best practices, simplifying the apprenticeship landscape, overcoming barriers, engaging key players, championing inclusivity, navigating the ecosystem, and promoting awareness.
Recently speaking on a panel at the 2023 Baltimore Together Summit, Jennifer Dewees, Co-founder and Construction Lead at MAC, emphasized the need for an industry-wide paradigm shift. She remarked, “Apprenticeships have evolved beyond being just an alternative path; they’ve become a fundamental necessity for sustainable growth across all sectors, not only construction. At MAC, we’re dedicated to guiding employers through the apprenticeship journey, transforming challenges into tangible opportunities for growth.”
A key component of MAC’s offerings includes support for Maryland’s Blueprint Pillar III Goals, focusing on preparing high school seniors for their next steps by 2030, with particular attention to tech, construction, and healthcare sectors, as well as statewide programming. This will involve identifying industry-leading organizations and employers to establish youth apprenticeships, creating pathways for participation, and adding apprentice seats where needed.
“Investing in the Maryland Apprenticeship Connector (MAC) is not just a commitment to the future of Maryland’s workforce – it is a strategic alliance,” said Lateefah Durant, VP of Innovation at CityWorks. “I am proud to be a part of a coalition championed by dedicated industry partners and supported by forward-thinking organizations to foster innovation and inclusion in high school apprenticeships.”
In an era marked by a significant skills gap, an aging workforce, and rapid technological changes, apprenticeships present a crucial solution. MAC, led by co-founders Yvette Diamond (Executive Director), Jennifer Dewees (Construction Lead), Greg Miller (Healthcare Lead), and Chris Abell (Technology Lead), is dedicated to bridging these gaps and refining Maryland’s apprenticeship model.
Employers interested in partnering with MAC for free support in tackling workforce challenges and fostering growth are encouraged to contact us using this form or visit macworkforce.org to learn more.
About Maryland Apprenticeship Connector
The Maryland Apprenticeship Connector (MAC) is a collaborative effort of its founding partners, the Maryland Center for Construction Education & Innovation (MCCEI), Health Tech Alley (HTA), and Carroll Technology & Innovation Council (CTIC), to build an apprenticeship ecosystem for Maryland. MAC exists to illuminate the undeniable value of apprenticeships, championing them as an essential pathway across all industries to achieve immediate operational benefits while also future-proofing employers’ workforces.
About MCCEI
MCCEI’s mission is to inspire, educate, and connect a diverse population to careers in the built environment. MCCEI is an independent workforce intermediary committed to making careers in the built environment attractive and accessible to all. MCCEI guides the future of the industry by providing education and promoting innovation.
About Health Tech Alley
Health Tech Alley (HTA) is a nonprofit intermediary focused on innovative workforce programming and technology solutions that advance community health and community impact, helping ensure access and economic mobility for all.
About Carroll Technology & Innovation Council
Carroll Technology & Innovation Council (CTIC) is a nonprofit on a mission to assist in the advancement of technology and business innovation while empowering our communities to reach their full potential.
