Maryland’s economy faces a paradox. Employers across industries — from healthcare and technology to public education — are searching for skilled workers, while many residents are looking for pathways to stable careers capable of supporting their families. Whether because of a lack of experience or credentials, the talent pipeline is not keeping pace with demand.
Bridging that gap requires that we rethink how education and work connect in the first place.
Apprenticeships offer one of the clearest solutions. By allowing learners to earn income while gaining hands-on experience, apprenticeships align education with workforce demand in real time. Maryland is already proving what’s possible: more than 14,000 Marylanders participated in apprenticeship programs last year, an all-time high, and more than 1,000 employers across the state now train registered apprentices.
With continued collaboration between higher education, employers, and policymakers, our state has the opportunity to transform apprenticeships from a promising tool into a cornerstone of its workforce strategy.
Access Means Career Pathways, Too
For decades, expanding access to higher education has been a central priority for institutions and policymakers alike. But access alone does not guarantee opportunity. For many working adults and first-generation learners, enrolling in school isn’t the only challenge. Balancing education with other financial realities is even harder.
