Apprenticeship Opportunity Program (AOP)

Apprenticeship Opportunity Program (AOP) is sponsored by Howard County, Maryland. This program provides financial incentives to eligible businesses and nonprofits that create, reactivate, or enhance a registered apprenticeship program.

Apprenticeship Opportunity Program (AOP) | Howard County **IMPORTANT NOTE TO EMPLOYERS: Funding is limited, and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Submitting an application does not guarantee approval, and funds may expire at any time.

The Apprenticeship Opportunity Program (AOP) Local Incentive, offered by the Howard County Office of Workforce Development (HCOWD), is designed to support Howard County businesses in building strong, sustainable apprenticeship programs.

This local incentive encourages employers to create, enhance, or reactivate youth and registered apprenticeships , helping to grow a skilled talent pipeline, and invest in your future workforce right here in Howard County. Eligible businesses receive an award after hiring their apprentices. This incentive serves as a valuable resource to reduce barriers for small and growing businesses.

Receive awards of $5,000 per apprentice, and up to $20,000 per employer. Only employers located in Howard County are eligible Funding is limited and available until it runs out—apply early! Upon eligibility and approval, we will send an award letter to employers.

To assist our customers, we offer a one-time in-person or virtual meeting to review your documents before you submit your application. For questions, send an email to dbermudez@howardcountymd. gov .

What can employers use the AOP Incentive for? Through this program, eligible businesses and nonprofit organizations can receive financial support to offset the startup costs associated with launching an apprenticeship program so employers can focus on what matters most: developing your future workforce.

These costs may include: Training and Related Instruction Eligible Howard County employers—both private and nonprofit, of any size, who create, reactivate, or enhance apprenticeship opportunities in the area—can apply.

To qualify, you must: Have an apprenticeship program approved by the Maryland Apprenticeship and Training Council (MATC) Ensure program and apprentice registration is verified by the Maryland Department of Labor (MD DOL) Apply within 60 days of hiring apprentices SAM Registration Requirement : Due to a change in funding, employers applying for the AOP incentive must now complete SAM (System for Award Management) registration .

A Certificate of Good Standing is no longer accepted. Please complete this process in advance of applying. Registration is free .

Please note that some third-party companies charge for this service; these are not affiliated with us. SAM registration must be completed by the employer . We are unable to complete this process on your behalf.

Register your organization in SAM. gov: Link: Entity Registration | SAM. gov (Required for any entity receiving federal funds) Complete the registration directly at SAM.

gov Email your SAM registration confirmation along with your AOP eligibility paperwork. I’m interested. How do I proceed?

If you're new to apprenticeships and want to learn how to start or create a program, please complete the Business Interest Form here. Once we receive your submission, a team member will contact you to discuss the next steps. Apply for the Apprenticeship Opportunity Program Have any questions?

Email us! We're here to help. If you have any questions about AOP local incentive or the application process, feel free to email us at dbermudez@howardcountymd.

gov .

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