Today's coverage explores how Gen Z is increasingly opting for something other than traditional college paths. Before you start your weekend, see what local organizational leaders have to say about the challenges and opportunities involved with youth apprenticeships. After all, maybe you'll have one of these youngsters working for you someday. 

— Alanah, Technical.ly lead reporter for Baltimore

This week’s newsletter is brought to you by TEDCO, the Maryland Technology Development Corporation, which identifies, invests in and helps grow technology and life science startups in Maryland. TEDCO brings innovation to market, offering investment opportunities ranging from pre-seed to Series A from various funds. Learn more here.

This article explores how Gen Z, despite often being associated with social media culture, is increasingly drawn to apprenticeships in skilled trades such as HVAC technician roles. This shift highlights a departure from traditional college pathways.

Leaders from Open Works and Maryland Apprenticeship Connector discuss the challenges and opportunities within the skilled trades arena, particularly for the latest cohort of emerging adult workers.

➡️ Find out more about these developments in my latest article here.

Did you know how many resources and programs TEDCO offers to support entrepreneurs throughout their journey? There’s Prelude Pitch — a chance to practice and perfect your pitching skills with live feedback from TEDCO thought leaders. There’s the Maryland Innovation Initiative — a program that supports the acceleration of bringing research from the lab to the commercial market. And more. With opportunities for investment from TEDCO’s Social Impact Funds, Seed Funds, and Venture Funds, this Technical.ly client has opportunities to support your growth.

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• Building on a previous partnership, Notre Dame of Maryland University and Capitol Technology University are collaborating to expedite students' entry into high-demand engineering careers through a program that allows students to obtain two bachelor's degrees in five years. [Notre Dame]

• The I-Corps program within Johns Hopkins Technology Ventures (JHTV) helps scientists, engineers and innovators from various fields broaden their scope beyond academic research while accelerating projects toward commercialization. [JHTV]

• Baltimore-based venture capital firm Squadra Ventures is opening a new office in in the nation's capital. This expansion, announced by Squadra's founder and managing partner Guy Filippelli, aims to establish a presence in Greater Washington, as well as prioritize early-stage investments in cybersecurity and national security startups. [Baltimore Business Journal]

• Johns Hopkins researchers are spearheading the development of the Baltimore Area Survey, an annual assessment of Baltimore City and County residents' perspectives. [Johns Hopkins Magazine]

• The 2024 UP/Start Venture Competition Finale, hosted by the Ratcliffe Center for Creative Entrepreneurship, takes place tomorrow at MICA. Refresh your memory with how the cohort prepared last year. [Technical.ly/Eventbrite]