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Governor Moore Signs RAISE Act into Law, Expanding Access to High-Quality Registered Apprenticeships in Maryland

ANNAPOLIS, MD (April 8, 2025) - Today, Governor Wes Moore signed into law the Registered Apprenticeship Investments for a Stronger Economy (RAISE) Act of 2025—a strategic investment to deliver family-sustaining careers to more Marylanders, to provide businesses with the talent they need and to grow the state’s economy.

The RAISE Act creates tools to expand Registered Apprenticeship to new industries, employers, and communities while maintaining high standards of quality and transparency.

By selecting workforce legislation for the first bill signing of this legislative session, the governor underscored the Moore-Miller Administration's commitment to supporting Maryland residents and businesses, and strengthening Maryland’s economy.

Governor Moore Signs RAISE Act into Law, Expanding Access to High-Quality Registered Apprenticeships in Maryland

“In partnership with the General Assembly, we are building pathways to work, wages, and wealth,” said Governor Moore. “The legislation I sign today will help grow our economy and build new pipelines to employment for all.”

Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller noted that the bills signed today “reflect our belief that a stronger economy begins with a workforce that includes everyone.”

“Apprenticeships are key to building an economy that leaves no one behind,” says Maryland Secretary of Labor Portia Wu. “This will help thousands of Marylanders move into high-demand, middle-class careers in a huge range of sectors, from healthcare and infrastructure to cybersecurity.”

The RAISE Act:

  • Establishes the Maryland Pay Per Apprentice Program to help employers offset the cost of hiring and training new Registered Apprentices, which will help make apprenticeship a more accessible workforce strategy for small businesses;

  • Invests in intermediaries to serve as connectors between employers, training providers, and sponsors—making it easier to launch and scale apprenticeship programs.

  • Codifies a default 1:1 journeyperson-to-apprentice ratio, with flexibility built in for nonhazardous occupations—supporting the expansion of apprenticeship in industries like IT, healthcare, and education.

  • Establishes the Maryland Office of Registered Apprenticeship Development (MORAD) to develop, support, and track Registered Apprenticeship programs across the state; and

  • Creates a new advisory board to help guide the work of MORAD and evaluate the effectiveness of these new investments.

“We appreciate the union partners in the AFL-CIO, business and industry champions, local workforce leaders, and the legislature for working in partnership with our team to bring this new law to fruition,” says Erin Roth, Assistant Secretary, Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning, Maryland Department of Labor. “The RAISE Act will remove barriers to economic growth and create opportunity for Maryland workers and businesses alike.”

With today’s signing, Maryland takes a decisive step toward providing more Marylanders with access to quality careers, and empowering businesses to grow with confidence in the skills of their workforce.

To learn more, visit the Maryland Apprenticeship and Training Program.

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The Maryland Department of Labor strives to create an equitable and inclusive Maryland where all residents have the opportunities and resources to attain financial stability, reach their career potential, and contribute to their communities; where businesses have access to capital and the skilled workforce they need to succeed; where workplaces are safe and well-regulated; and where the economy is resilient and growing. For updates and information, follow Labor on LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and visit our website.

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Dinah Winnick