Gov. Larry Hogan on Friday announced a new $15 million initiative to assist individuals with infrastructure careers and help with the demand for federal- and state-funded construction projects.
The “Jobs That Build” program will offer up to $10,000 per worker on recruitment, training, and employee retention support.
“We are making an initial investment of $15 million into this initiative, which is the first of its kind in the nation,” Hogan said. “And expect that this will help bring on thousands of construction workers and ensure that more capital projects are delivered on time and on budget.”
This federally funded program will complement the state’s workforce development plans, which recently included 12,000 new apprenticeships, and Maryland becoming the first state to abolish the required post-secondary degree for state jobs.
To qualify for the “Jobs That Build” program, employers must be based in Maryland, have employees in the state, show proof of difficulty in hiring and/or retaining construction employees, and have a publicly-funded infrastructure project that they have already secured or can demonstrate they will be awarded in the future.
Employers must also be up-to-date on unemployment insurance taxes and in good standing with the Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation and the Maryland Department of Labor.
Applications are currently open and will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis.
