Annual Impact Report

The Hidden Cost

Maryland’s next billion-dollar export isn’t tech
—it’s unfilled construction jobs.

And your rent, commute, and kids’ classrooms are already paying the price. Across Maryland, a widening shortage of skilled construction workers is quietly pushing project costs skyward and timelines backward. In Montgomery County alone, the square-foot cost to build a new school surged from $286 in 2016 to $445 in 2024, with 74 % of builders citing labor shortages as the main driver. At the state level, the Board of Public Works had to add $64 million to just two University of Maryland projects, all because qualified tradespeople are increasingly scarce.

But it doesn’t stop at education—Maryland’s roads, bridges, and affordable housing initiatives face the same pressures. Fewer workers mean higher bids, stretched budgets, and postponed improvements.

In short: when the construction workforce thins, Maryland pays the price—across the board.

The widening gap

Maryland faces a shortage of 30,000 construction hires

Over the next decade, unless we act, every empty position will mean delayed bridges, overcrowded classrooms, unaffordable housing, and billions lost in economic potential. This isn't just a workforce statistic—it's the future of Maryland's communities.

Who We Are

Closing the Gap, One Career at a Time

At MCCEI—the Maryland Center for Construction Education and Innovation—our goal is to close Maryland’s growing construction workforce gap by guiding more students into careers that matter. Through innovative programs and strategic partnerships, we create clear, supported pathways from high school to high-demand construction roles—ensuring every Marylander has the chance to build a future, and every job site has the skilled hands it needs.

Across Maryland

MCCEI programs reach every corner of the state

From the Eastern Shore to Western Maryland, MCCEI works with schools, employers, and state partners to strengthen the construction talent pipeline. Each initiative is tailored to regional needs—but all share a single goal: opening doors to skilled, rewarding careers.

Statewide Roadshows

From Salisbury to Hagerstown:
We met 600+ future builders

With support from the Maryland Workforce Alliance, MCCEI hosted in-person apprenticeship roadshows across the state. These events brought together educators, employers, and workforce professionals to explore practical steps for launching high-school and college-level apprenticeship programs—and demonstrated why apprenticeships are a win-win for Maryland’s economy and students alike.

Construction Career Day

Hands-on events in Baltimore & Bowie

Now in its second year, Construction Career Day lets high-school students try real-world trade activities—sparking interest in well-paid, high-demand careers. 2024’s expanded Baltimore event and the new Bowie spring session connected hundreds of teens with industry mentors and training paths.

Construction Career Day

Two one-day events. State-wide impact.

In Baltimore (fall 2024) and Bowie (spring 2025), Construction Career Day welcomed more than 1,750 Maryland high-schoolers. With help from 150 community volunteers and 70 industry exhibitors, students from 49 schools across seven counties rotated through hands-on stations—testing heavy-equipment simulators, laying brick, bending conduit and meeting registered-apprenticeship sponsors.

The result? Hundreds of teens left with a clearer picture of what a modern construction career looks like—and a phone-number or two to make it happen.

Student Survey

Career-Day sparks a 58 % jump in construction interest

Exit polling showed that after a single day of hands-on activities, students who said they would “seriously consider” a career in construction jumped by more than half.

Funding Setbacks

$615,000+ in Critical Funding Lost

Recently, MCCEI faced significant challenges as the Trump administration rescinded over $615,000 in federal grants—critical funding meant for apprenticeships and workforce development programs. These cuts are not merely financial setbacks—they represent lost opportunities for thousands of Marylanders ready to enter essential, skilled careers.

"These reversals aren’t just line items on a budget—they represent missed opportunities for Marylanders ready to step into essential roles."
—Jennifer Dewees, MCCEI President

Revenue

Where does our funding come from?

The Maryland Apprenticeship Connector – Fiduciary contributes nearly half of every dollar we receive. Of the $615,000 cut from the Federal Government 65.2% were for the Maryland Apprenticeship Connector.

Next biggest contributor

The Maryland Department of Labor provides roughly one-quarter of our total funding.

Everyone else

Together, grants, events and partnerships make up the remaining 30 %.

Moving Forward

Building Pathways to Opportunity

Despite these challenges, we remain steadfast. The urgency of our mission has never been more clear, and the support we continue to receive from our community reminds us why this work matters.

Together, we are building pathways to opportunity, helping Marylanders step into life-changing careers, and shaping a future where our construction industry can thrive — regardless of external turbulence.