Mayor Catherine E. Pugh and Baltimore City Community College Interim President Dr. James H. Johnson Jr.  Announce the new Industrial Maintenance Mechanic Apprenticeship program

The Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation approved the energy-sector initiative, which was created with direct input from local businesses

BALTIMORE — Baltimore City Mayor Catherine E. Pugh and Baltimore City Community College (BCCC) Interim President James H. Johnson Jr. announced the launch of a new competency-based Industrial Maintenance Mechanic Apprentice program scheduled to begin this fall.

The apprenticeship program was developed with input from local businesses and organizations with interests in the energy sector. The Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (DLLR) recently approved the program, which allows trainees to enter the workforce once they have demonstrated mastery of the requisite skills rather than gain certification based on how many hours they log in the classroom or at a job site.

"Our Office of Employment Development successfully facilitated the conversation with leading city employers, resulting in the approval of BCCC's Industrial Maintenance Mechanic Apprenticeship Program," Mayor Catherine E. Pugh said. "Thanks to the Maryland State Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation for approving this vital initiative that will benefit Baltimore City residents seeking sustainable careers in the energy sector.”

 “Baltimore City Community College is proud to partner with the says Mayor's Office of Employment Development and our industry partners to prepare Baltimore City residents for jobs in a high-demand, well-paying field. This innovative program delivers tailored training to meet the employers’ needs and provides BCCC with a novel approach to efficiently transition students from the classroom to the workforce,” James H. Johnson, Jr., interim president of BCCC said.

The program will instruct students in the installation and maintenance of mechanical machinery and systems as well as workplace safety. Students completing the program after an estimated 605 hours or about three years will enter the field as a journeyman and earn and industry-standard certification issued by the National Center for Construction Education and Research.

BCCC is currently accepting applications for the program and class will begin Sept. 2