(a) The Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning is the designated State Apprenticeship Agency under Title 29, C.F.R. Parts 29 and 30.
(b) (1) There is an Apprenticeship and Training Council as part of the Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning. The Council consists of 12 members all of whom shall be appointed by the Governor of Maryland, with the advice of the Secretary and with the advice and consent of the Senate of Maryland.
(2) Four of the members shall be representatives of employee organizations; one shall be an employee; five shall be representatives of employers; and two shall be appointed from the general public.
(3) The membership of the Council shall, to the extent practicable, reflect the geographic, racial, ethnic, cultural, and gender diversity of the State and shall include representation by individuals with disabilities. Consultants to the Council shall, to the extent practicable, reflect the geographic, racial, ethnic, cultural, and gender diversity of the State and shall include representation by individuals with disabilities.
(4) In advising the Governor, the Secretary shall give consideration to a balanced geographic representation from all of Maryland and a representative sampling and mix of Maryland industry.
(5) One member shall be appointed as Chairman by the Governor, with the advice of the Secretary, and serve as Chairman at the pleasure of the Governor. The Assistant State Superintendent, Career and Technology Education, and the Maryland State Director of the Office of Apprenticeship, U.S. Department of Labor, shall serve as consultants to the Council without vote.
(6) The Governor, with the advice of the Secretary may appoint up to three additional consultants to the Council from the public at large.
(c) All appointments as members of the Council shall be for terms of 4 years.
(d) (1) Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection and subject to paragraph (3) of this subsection, a member shall be considered to have resigned if the member did not attend at least two–thirds of the Council meetings held during any consecutive 12–month period while the member was serving on the Council.
(2) The Governor may waive a member’s resignation and allow the member to continue serving if the member has been unable to attend meetings for reasons satisfactory to the Governor and the reasons are made public.
(3) In accordance with § 8–501 of the State Government Article, the Chairman shall provide notice to the Governor and the Governor shall appoint a successor.