1. (a)

   1. (1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.
   2. (2) “Director” means the Director of the Maryland Apprenticeship and Training Program.
   3. (3) “Program” means the Registered Apprenticeship Qualified Intermediary Program.

   4. (4) “Qualified intermediary” means an entity that demonstrates expertise in:

      1. (i) connecting sponsors, employers, or potential apprenticeship program participants with registered apprenticeship programs;
      2. (ii) convening stakeholders to develop registered apprenticeship programs; or
      3. (iii) other key functions as determined appropriate by the Department to successfully build and scale registered apprenticeship programs that achieve desired workforce outcomes.
2. (b) There is a Registered Apprenticeship Qualified Intermediary Program within the Maryland Apprenticeship and Training Program of the Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning.

3. (c)

   1. (1) The Program shall:

      1. (i) report to the Director;
      2. (ii) increase awareness of registered apprenticeship programs through industry outreach;
      3. (iii) connect employers and labor organizations with workforce and education partners;
      4. (iv) provide technical assistance to launch and expand registered apprenticeship programs with a focus on nontraditional sectors; and
      5. (v) include a process for monitoring and evaluating the Program.
   2. (2) The Director shall, in consultation with the Secretary, the Governor's Workforce Development Board, the Registered Apprenticeship Development Advisory Board, and the Department of Commerce, develop the Program.
   3. (3) The Secretary may use grants or procurement, among other strategies, to advance and accomplish the goals of the Program.

Added by Acts 2025, c. 2, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 2025.