Events
The Heating & Air Conditioning Contractors of Maryland Celebrates Graduation of 79 Apprentices
Maryland’s Largest HVAC Apprenticeship Program
79 Graduates | 500+ Attendees | 400+ Active Apprentices | State Recognition | Industry Partnerships
The Heating & Air Conditioning Contractors of Maryland (HACCMD), operator of Maryland’s largest HVAC apprenticeship program, proudly celebrated the graduation of 79 apprentices during its 2026 commencement ceremony attended by more than 500 guests.
Recognized as a Maryland State Registered and Federally Recognized Registered Apprenticeship Program, HACCMD continues to lead workforce development in the skilled trades through its four-year HVACR apprenticeship pathway, combining classroom instruction with 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and culminating in eligibility for Maryland HVACR journeyman licensure.
The 2026 commencement ceremony was further recognized through an official State of Maryland Governor’s Proclamation honoring National Apprenticeship Week and the impact of Registered Apprenticeships on workforce development.
“These graduates are not newcomers to the trade — they have already logged thousands of hours in the field and now advance as licensed journeymen ready to lead the next generation of skilled professionals,” said Charles Hayden, Education Chair.
HACCMD currently trains more than 270 active apprentices statewide and operates in partnership with Harford Community College, Cecil College, Carroll Community College, Howard Community College, and its dedicated training center in Randallstown, Maryland.
Program Fact Sheet
| Founded | 1996 |
| Program Type | Maryland State Registered & Federally Recognized |
| Current Apprentices | 400+ |
| 2026 Graduates | 79 |
| Graduation Attendance | 500+ |
| Program Length | 4 Years |
| OJT Requirement | 8,000 Hours |
| Journeyman Pathway | Maryland HVACR Licensure |
| Training Center | Randallstown, Maryland |
| Partner Colleges | Harford, Cecil, Carroll & Howard |
Program Leadership
Stephanie Anderson
Executive Director / Program Administrator
Charles Hayden
Education Chair / Year 4 Instructor / Board of Directors
Dave Kiefer
Education Director
HACCMD leadership oversees curriculum development, apprenticeship administration, workforce development initiatives, instructor coordination, and industry partnerships supporting Maryland’s HVAC workforce pipeline.
Graduation Event Highlights
More than 500 attendees gathered to celebrate the HACCMD Class of 2026.
HACCMD leadership receiving official State of Maryland recognition honoring Registered Apprenticeship and workforce development initiatives.
Industry and educational sponsors supporting apprenticeship-driven workforce development.
Industry & Workforce Partnership
Dewalt Tools gifted each graduate a toolkit.
Malco Tools Head of the Class winner. Malco equips each graduate with a gift and provides a special tool kit for our valedictorian.
Industry partnerships remain a critical component of HACCMD’s apprenticeship success. Manufacturers, contractors, distributors, educators, and workforce advocates continue to support the development of Maryland’s future HVAC workforce through sponsorships, training support, tools, and educational collaboration.
The HACCMD apprenticeship program continues to demonstrate how industry-led apprenticeship initiatives can help address the skilled trades workforce shortage while creating debt-free career pathways for apprentices entering the HVACR industry.
State Recognition
The 2026 HACCMD Apprenticeship Graduation was recognized through an official State of Maryland Governor’s Proclamation honoring National Apprenticeship Week and the continued impact of Registered Apprenticeships on workforce development throughout Maryland.
