Statement on Artificial Intelligence, Registered Apprenticeships Executive Orders
This week, the Trump Administration issued two executive orders promoting registered apprenticeships as a national priority for workforce development. One order directs America’s educational systems to improve academic literacy in Artificial Intelligence and further prioritizes the development and growth of apprenticeships in AI-related occupations.
The second order reiterated the administration’s continued support for the Registered Apprenticeship training model, specifically in the skilled trades, and allocates resources to support the growth and development of skilled trades occupations, aiming to reach and surpass 1 million new apprentices. You can view our communications on executive orders related to higher education here.
Since Howard Community College launched its registered apprenticeship program in 2018, our vision for the future of work in Howard County has evolved into a model for the state. Our college has served more than 295 active apprentices this year, either as a sponsoring institution or as the provider of related instruction.
We partner with employers such as AT&T, MedStar, Johns Hopkins Hospital System, and others, including The Goddard School, Maple Lawn Hospitality, and Victoria Gastro Pub, as a valuable industrial resource and talent pipeline.
We applaud Maryland Governor Wes Moore for signing the RAISE Act into law earlier this month. The act applies a strategic statewide approach to promoting and building interest in apprenticeships as a solvent career pathway for millions of workers in the state.
Last week, Howard County Executive Calvin Ball announced a proposed $5 million in support for HCC’s forthcoming Cathy and Danny Bell Workforce Development and Trades Center (WDTC), punctuating our commitment to addressing the workforce skills gaps in cyber, artificial intelligence, welding, automotive, manufacturing, electrical, HVAC, plumbing, and many other fields. According to officials, Howard County has trained more than 1,500 registered apprentices through its Office of Workforce Development and other corporate partnerships.
HCC also offers non-traditional registered apprenticeships in the fields of allied health, information technology, hospitality, and childcare - all of which are major industries here in Howard County and throughout Central Maryland.
The Bell Center will feature state-of-the-art laboratories in the skilled trades that incorporate AI and cyber technologies into the curriculum, integrating hands-on skilled trades with the technologies of the future, reflecting the connected world in which we live. HCC looks forward to working with designated federal agencies to achieve the mutual goals of our federal, state, and county leaders of strengthening and growing registered apprenticeships, in support of Maryland's economy and workers throughout our region.