Letter from the Executive Director

By Peter Constantinou

For the last three years, we contracted with The AnnDyl Group to provide us with legislative advocacy and, where needed, lobbying support. During the same time, we        co-introduced three pieces of legislation [two passed and signed into law; one remains favorable in committee], AACP members and I testified before House and Senate committees, and we provided our expertise at the request of state legislators. Further, we expanded our communication with the utilities, and participated on various workgroups of the Maryland Public Service Commission. If that were not enough, The AnnDyl Group brought us regulatory updates from DC and Virginia. In short, AACP provided HVAC contractors with a huge benefit the best representation before legislative bodies and regulatory agencies overseeing the areas we serve.

During the 2023 Maryland General Assembly, our legislative initiative brought parity between the apprentices who complete and graduate an Apprenticeship Program and receive their journeyperson license without having to sit for the exam, and individuals who desire to "test-out".

At the conclusion of the session, our journeyman license proposal passed through both chambers of the legislature unamended; it awaits final approval from the Governor. At the time of this writing, the Governor has not released a timeframe to give final review of our bill (HB 132). We continue to monitor closely for an announcement on the bill signing of HB 132 from Governor Moore. If confirmed by the Governor, the bill will take effect October 1, 2023, requiring 4 years and 6,000 hours of on-the-job training before any candidate for the journeyman license can earn his or her license.

AACP members can access the legislative reports online in our Resources Section.

In other news...

With the demand for HVAC professionals on the rise, the AACP HVAC/R Technician Apprenticeship Program is in full demand to prepare your next skilled technicians. Our very experienced instructors dedicate their time cultivate the knowledge and experience you want and need from an apprentice.

The apprentices in our program complete 24 courses and 8,000 On-The-Job training hours over four years. Upon successful completion of the program, our graduates immediately earn their Maryland journeyperson's license.

Did you know AACP is a Registered Apprenticeship Program Sponsor in Virginia? Yes, we are! This means HVAC contractors in Virginia can enroll apprentices in our program to earn their Virginia journeyperson's license. And that's not all! We have reciprocity between the two states that would allow your technicians to receive their journeyperson's license in both states.

Registration opens on Monday, May 1. Don't delay. Take advantage of the Early Bird Registration fee.

Coming in June...

SAVE THE DATE - Saturday, June 17, 2023. AACP will gather in the Diamond View Restaurant suite of Prince George's Stadium to watch the Bowie Baysox take on the Richmond Flying Squirrels. A fireworks display will follow the game.