Maryland Department of Labor

Our director of apprenticeship and training, Chris MacLarion, recently to took the national stage for a panel on forces of change in registered apprenticeship at the annual NASTAD - National Association of State and Territorial Apprenticeship Directors conference. Chris joined other leaders from around the country to discuss how apprenticeship is evolving and what it takes to build and sustain high-quality programs that help people succeed. If you're a worker looking to start an apprenticeship, or an employer interested in building your own talent pipeline, we have resources for you: https://lnkd.in/es6u_BZb

Exciting news from Howard Community College! Their Cardiovascular Technician Registered Apprenticeship program—the first of its kind at a community college in the nation—opens up a new path for Marylanders to earn while they learn.

Sec. Portia Wu was honored to administer the oath to 62 new CPAs at the Maryland Association of CPAs (MACPA) swearing-in ceremony last month. By pledging to "uphold the honor and dignity of the accounting profession," these newly minted professionals have committed to serving Marylanders with integrity. Congratulations on this major achievement!

Sec. Portia Wu was in Western Maryland yesterday, joining the Maryland Department of Commerce for visits to Washington County and Allegany County. Highlights included business roundtables in Hagerstown and Cumberland, a tour of the advanced industry makerspace at Allegany College of Maryland, and meeting with MD Labor staff in Cumberland, to thank them for their hard work. We are committed to building economic opportunity in every part of our state. Thank you for having us!

Congrats to MD Labor's Ashley N. Sharp on being named Emerging Leader of the Year at the 2025 Prince George’s HONORS by the Greater Washington Community Foundation! As Senior Advisor for Strategic Engagement in the Office of the Secretary, she plays a pivotal role in connecting Secretary Portia Wu with the communities we serve.

Looking to make a big career move? It's not too late to sign up for our FREE apprenticeship webinar! Join us online Dec. 2 at noon to hear from an apprenticeship expert who will explain how to take the first steps toward becoming a registered apprentice. Register here to reserve your space: https://ow.ly/OCN950XAltR

Shop smart this Cyber Monday! Our Office of Financial Regulation has some tips to avoid scammers: 💸 "Too good to be true" offers: If a deal promises massive rewards for little risk, it could be a trap. ⏩ Pressure to act: Scammers want you to panic. Be wary of urgent requests to "act quickly" or "verify account details" via text or email. 🔗 Unsolicited links: Don't click links in unexpected emails or texts claiming to be from legitimate companies. Go directly to the retailer's official site, instead. Your financial wellness matters beyond just today. Get more resources to protect yourself as a consumer: https://lnkd.in/ect7f5iU

Join a FREE webinar that will show you exactly how to build and sustain successful youth apprenticeship programs — Thursday, Dec. 4, at 12 p.m. You'll get step-by-step guidance to launch or expand a program from industry experts and community leaders. You'll also have a chance to hear success stories from Maryland employers who are already shaping the next generation of skilled professionals. Save your seat today: https://ow.ly/w6hI50XvU9V

This year at MD Labor, we're thankful for all who have supported our communities, including workers impacted by federal actions. Thanks to the state agencies, workforce partners, local organizations, businesses, and individuals who have come together to support Marylanders. This collaborative spirit truly defines our state. Wishing everyone a safe, restful, and Happy Thanksgiving!

Maryland has provided 3,430 interest-free Federal Shutdown Loans to excepted federal employees who worked without pay during the shutdown. That critical support to more than 2,000 federal workers helped families pay rent and put food on the table. Maryland also provided unemployment insurance benefits to more than 3,400 furloughed federal workers throughout the shutdown — vital support to make it through a challenging time. We are proud to have served those who serve us.