IBEW Local 24 member and Maryland State Senator Cory McCray is the only member of the Maryland General Assembly to have completed a registered apprenticeship.

He is also the author of a new book — “The Apprenticeship That Saved My Life” — that details his journey from the street corners of Baltimore to a registered apprenticeship, then a career as a union electrician, and then getting elected to the Maryland State Senate.

On its website, Bookshop.org describes the book as “the inspiring story of one man’s journey from Baltimore’s tough streets to a life of purpose, stability, and impact.”

In addition to sharing personal stories, McCray discusses how apprenticeships can provide life-changing opportunities, especially for those who may not have access to traditional educational paths.

“I realized that learning a trade was more than just mastering a skill,” writes McCray. “It was about gaining control over my future.”

In the state legislature, McCray has been a champion for working families and underserved communities, supporting and winning on scores of bills focused on economic empowerment, public safety, and community revitalization.

“In this candid memoir,” continues the Bookshop.org description, “McCray shares the highs and lows of his journey, illustrating the transformative power of skilled labor and mentorship. Individuals will discover how his experiences as an apprentice shaped not just his career but his life, providing him with the foundation to become a Maryland State Senator dedicated to empowering his community.”

The book will be released on September 30, 2025. You can order a copy from Powell’s, a unionized independent bookstore in Portland, OR, whose employees are represented by ILWU Local 5. Order your copy from Powell’s today >

OR, support a Baltimore-based independent bookstore and buy a copy from Snug Books, LLC. Order your copy from Snug Books today >