FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
David Broughton, 410-865-1029
Jim Joyner, 410-865-1030

**MEDIA ADVISORY**

​WHAT:           Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) Secretary James F. Ports, Jr., will lead a Skilled Trades Partnering Event at MDOT Headquarters in Hanover to discuss MDOT job opportunities and how apprentice programs, internships and partnerships can help students and others train for rewarding careers in transportation with good salaries and benefits. Organizations invited to attend include community colleges, trade schools and high schools with vocational education programs. Secretary Ports will be joined by State Sen. James Rosapepe (District 21, Prince George's and Anne Arundel), an advocate for workforce development and apprenticeship programs. Representatives of MDOT business units also will attend, and several MDOT employees who started their careers in apprentice or internship programs will share their stories.

WHO:             James F. Ports, Jr., MDOT Secretary
Sen. James Rosapepe, Maryland General Assembly
Chrissy Nizer, Administrator, MDOT Motor Vehicle Administration
Holly Arnold, Administrator, MDOT Maryland Transit Administration
Tim Smith, Administrator, MDOT State Highway Administration
Andre Futrell, Chief Operating Officer, MDOT State Highway Administration
Ricky Smith, Executive Director, MDOT Maryland Aviation Administration
William P. Doyle, Executive Director, MDOT Maryland Port Administration
Will Pines, Executive Director, Maryland Transportation Authority

WHEN:           9 a.m., Thursday, September 22, 2022

WHERE:        MDOT Headquarters, 7201 Corporate Center Drive, Hanover, MD 21076
Media parking will be available in the lot across Corporate Center Drive.

WHY:             There is a need to recruit and train skilled workers across many state agencies and private industries. MDOT has hundreds of skilled worker jobs available for mechanics, electricians, carpenters, masons, plumbers, HVAC technicians, aircraft service workers and others. MDOT has utilized apprentice and internship programs to provide many Marylanders with rewarding careers, and is hoping to enlist additional partners to help create the state's future transportation workforce. Careers in transportation can offer packages that include a competitive salary, health benefits, retirement plan, paid leave, tuition reimbursement, on-the-job training and more.

Secretary Ports and other MDOT officials will be available for interviews following a brief presentation.