Healthcare Opportunity Pathways for Employment H.O.P.E.
Introduction to The H.O.P.E. Project
About the H.O.P.E. Project
The HOPE (Healthcare Opportunity Pathways for Employment) Project provides support and resources for healthcare facilities committed to establishing Registered Apprenticeship Programs. Our mission is to address the workforce needs of the healthcare industry and promote economic growth and opportunity in the Baltimore metropolitan area.
What is a Registered Apprenticeship
A Registered Apprenticeship is a training program that combines paid on the job learning with classroom instructions. It is often considered “earn while you learn.” An employer or association typically sponsors the apprentice. These programs are officially recognized by either the state apprenticeship agency or the U.S Department of Labor (DOL), and meet the national standards.
How it Benefits Your Organization
Hiring apprentices is an effective way to develop a skilled and committed workforce. It can help reduce employee turnover and recruitment cost, while also making your organization eligible for state and federal funding or tax incentives. Additionally, apprenticeships ensure that training is consistent, high quality, and aligned with your organization’s needs.
Additional Resources
Looking to dive deeper? Explore our collection of tools, and visual guides designed to help you build and strengthen your apprenticeship program.
Key Features of a Registered Apprenticeship
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Once completed, apprentices get a DOL issued certificate recognized statewide. |
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- Programs must include at least two wage increases over the course of the apprenticeship
- Wage increase should be clearly outlined in program standards
- Advancement is typically tied to:
- Competency achievement,
- Hours completed, and/or
- Milestone completion
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- Example wage progression:
- Entry wage: $18.00/hour
- Midpoint increase: $20.00/hour
- Completion wage: $23.00/hour
- Example wage progression:
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- Apprentices receive formal instruction aligned with occupation standards.
- Maryland requirements typically include:
- A minimum of 144 hours of related technical instruction annually for time-base programs
- Instruction may be delivered through:
- Community colleges
- Employers
- Online learning platforms
- Training providers
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- Topics may include:
- Technical skills
- Safety
- Compliance
- Professional development
- Topics may include:
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- Apprentices complete supervised on-the-job training designed to build occupational competencies.
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- Maryland programs require:
- A documented Work Process Schedule
- Clearly defined competencies or hours
- Mentor/Supervisor oversight
- Maryland programs require:
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- Training may be:
- Time-based
- Competency-based
- Hybrid
- Training may be:
*** Disclaimer: Program requirements may vary by occupation type and registered model. Employers should consult with the Maryland Apprenticeship and Training Program and technical assistance partners for program-specific
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- Occupation – Specific Standards
- Each apprenticeship program must be built around an approved occupation with clearly defined:
- Job title
- Training requirements
- Wage schedule
- Competency expectations
- Each apprenticeship program must be built around an approved occupation with clearly defined:
- Occupation – Specific Standards
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- Mentorship & Supervision
- Apprentices receive guidance from experienced staff or designated mentors throughout training.
- Strong programs include:
- Mentor check-ins
- Performance feedback
- Skills validation
- Mentorship & Supervision
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- Employer Sponsorship
- Registered apprenticeship is employer-driven
- Sponsors are responsible for:
- Hiring apprentices
- Providing structured training
- Maintaining standards compliance
- Tracking apprentices progress
- Employer Sponsorship
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- Employers may register individually or participate through intermediaries
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- Career Advancement Pathway
- Registered apprenticeship creates clear advancement opportunities through stackable skills, wage progression, and career mobility.
- CNA → Patient Care Technician
- Medical Assistant → LPN/RN pathways
- Registered apprenticeship creates clear advancement opportunities through stackable skills, wage progression, and career mobility.
- Career Advancement Pathway
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