During 1990-91, Maryland's apprenticeship program prepared workers for careers in highly skilled trades and crafts. Apprenticeship programs are operated throughout the state by sponsors (employers or a joint committee of employers and union representatives). Maryland's apprenticeship system provides services to the business community and individual workers. Some key figures are as follows: there was a 64% growth in apprentices during this time period; 3,075 new workers entered the system; 847 apprentices graduated to journeyperson status; there has been an increase in the participation of minorities and women in apprenticeship; there were 648 statewide sponsors; over 160 occupations were represented; and 1.049 million industrial hours of instruction were provided to 5,204 apprentices. The Maryland Apprenticeship and Training Council established three areas for improvement: target activities to areas of skilled labor shortage, improve program administration, and promote and market apprenticeship. A blueprint for action has five areas of focus: improve program quality, include emerging occupations, emphasize acquisition and demonstration of competencies, improve access to apprenticeship, and increase employer/employee participation. (Three appendices are included: council membership, related instruction for apprenticeship by participating Maryland schools, and apprenticeship demonstration projects--1991-92.) (NLA)