Maryland Trade Schools and Apprenticeships
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Showing all schools and apprenticeships in Maryland.
We only list Accredited Schools and U.S. Department of Labor–registered Apprenticeships. Programs cannot pay to be featured.
Average Trade Wages in This State
Why Maryland Is a Strong State for Trade Careers
Maryland’s trade economy is closely tied to federal infrastructure spending, commercial construction, utilities, healthcare facilities, and port operations. Proximity to Washington, D.C. drives consistent demand for electricians, plumbers, HVAC technicians, welders, carpenters, and maintenance trades—especially on government, military, and large commercial projects.
Looking for ways to fund your education? Check out scholarships available for Maryland students and explore more financial aid resources at CollegeWhale.
Where Trade Demand Is Concentrated
- DC–Baltimore corridor: Federal buildings, healthcare systems, commercial construction, and large-scale renovations.
- Baltimore metro area: Port operations, industrial facilities, utilities, and transportation infrastructure.
- Southern Maryland: Military bases, energy infrastructure, and commercial development.
- Suburban counties: Ongoing residential construction and service trade demand.
Major Employers and Contractors in Maryland
Tradespeople in Maryland commonly work with employers connected to federal contracts, utilities, healthcare, and port operations, including:
- Constellation Energy — Utility and power generation facilities supporting electrical and mechanical trades.
- Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) — Infrastructure and transportation projects requiring skilled trades.
- Whiting-Turner Contracting Company — Major commercial contractor headquartered in Baltimore.
Union vs Non-Union Trade Paths in Maryland
Maryland has a strong union presence, particularly on federal, state, and large commercial projects. Non-union contractors remain common in residential construction, service trades, and smaller commercial work.
Union Apprenticeships in Maryland
Union apprenticeship programs are frequently associated with public works, government facilities, healthcare construction, and infrastructure projects.
- IBEW Local 26 — Electrical apprenticeships serving Washington, D.C. suburbs and central Maryland.
- IBEW Local 24 — Electrical training covering the Baltimore metro area.
- UA Local 486 — Plumbing, pipefitting, and HVAC apprenticeships serving Baltimore and surrounding counties.
- SMART Local 100 — Sheet metal and HVAC fabrication training serving Maryland and D.C.
- Carpenters Local 197 — Commercial carpentry apprenticeships across central Maryland.
Non-Union and Open-Shop Trade Routes
Non-union pathways remain common throughout Maryland in residential construction, service HVAC, electrical maintenance, and smaller commercial projects. Many contractors offer direct hire opportunities with on-the-job training, especially outside major government-funded projects.
Both union and non-union routes can lead to stable trade careers in Maryland. Union paths are often preferred for government and large commercial work, while non-union routes offer flexibility and quicker entry into residential and service trades.
| Factor | Union Apprenticeships | Non-Union / Open-Shop |
|---|---|---|
| Training Structure | Formal apprenticeship with classroom and jobsite training | Employer-based, hands-on training |
| Pay Progression | Defined wage scales tied to apprenticeship milestones | Pay growth based on experience or employer policy |
| Benefits | Health insurance and retirement plans commonly included | Benefits vary widely by contractor |
| Project Types | Federal buildings, hospitals, transit, infrastructure | Residential, service work, small commercial projects |
| Best Fit For | Workers targeting public works and large-scale projects | Workers prioritizing flexibility and faster entry |