The Maryland Department of Labor is rolling out $7.3 million in grants to support the region’s workforce. This is great news for the electrical industry as a portion of it will go towards The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 26 and the Washington, DC National Electrical Contractors Association, helping us recruit and train more skilled apprentices.
The grant initiative, which is run through the Employment Advancement Right Now (EARN) program, is aimed at advancing Maryland’s pool of skilled workers in healthcare, information technology, skilled trade, and hospitality industries.
“We are proud to announce the largest investment to date in the EARN Workforce Grant Program–an effort which will help over 500 businesses throughout the state,” said Governor Wes Moore in a press release. “These grants empower our business owners and their employees to build up our local economies, strengthen Maryland’s workforce pipeline, and provide much-needed resources to more than 3,400 workers who are on the front lines every day, getting the work done.”
The grant will help many young workers join the electrical field by supporting the apprenticeship programs offered through the Electrical Alliance. By joining an apprenticeship program, workers will be able to contribute to Maryland’s growing community while earning a valuable trade that supports them and their families or families-to-be.
“The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 26 and the Washington, DC National Electrical Contractors Association are thrilled to participate in this Maryland Department of Labor EARN Grant,” said IBEW Communications Director David Pala. “This Electrical Career Pathways program will help many aspiring electricians from local High Schools in Montgomery County to learn real skills and receive basic certifications while earning a paycheck with invaluable on the job training. Montgomery College Instructor, MCPS teacher, and IBEW member Christa Tichy will lead the program with job placement among signatory contractors JE Richards, Hatzel & Buehler, Freestate Electrical, Rosendin, and C&T Electrical.”
Read more about the EARN Grants program in the press release here.
