Allegany and Carroll Counties Join Youth Apprenticeship Program
Youth Apprenticeship Gives Students Opportunity to Earn While They Learn
BALTIMORE (May 16, 2019) – Governor Larry Hogan, together with Acting Maryland Labor Secretary James E. Rzepkowski, today announced that Allegany and Carroll counties will join the Apprenticeship Maryland Program. Nine public school systems now participate in the youth apprenticeship program, giving even more Maryland high school juniors and seniors opportunities to explore careers in diverse industries and high-growth career tracks in science, technology, engineering, math, and manufacturing.
“Youth apprenticeship bridges the gap between K-12 and post-secondary education and connects high school graduates to the workforce,” said Governor Hogan. “We are committed to expanding opportunities and building lasting career pathways for our students through the successful Apprenticeship Maryland program.”
A 2014 study commissioned by the Employment Policies Institute quantifies the long-lasting benefits of having a part-time job as a young adult. The study showed that part-time work as a high school senior translates to future career benefits that include higher hourly wages, increased annual earnings, and less time spent out of work.
“Youth apprenticeship connects Maryland’s job creators to the talent of the future, while building their present-day workforce,” said Acting Labor Secretary James E. Rzepkowski. “It also gives Maryland students a head start on their career path by affording them the opportunity to explore trades and occupations while building a professional network and earning a wage.”
Youth apprenticeship students work a minimum of 450 hours with a certified employer, while receiving related educational training through their high school. Participating students work with a state-approved employer, learn valuable skills, and earn industry credentials and high school credit.
“We are pleased and excited about this tremendous opportunity for our students to gain authentic and applied learning and skills, while also receiving pay and credits toward graduation and a CTE completer certificate,” said Allegany County Public Schools (ACPS) Superintendent David Cox. “I am also deeply appreciative of the collaborative efforts between ACPS, Allegany County Government, the Allegany County Chamber of Commerce, and members of our business community who have become committed partners in this wonderful effort.”
Apprenticeship Maryland was founded in 2015 as a pilot in Frederick and Washington counties, and is a partnership between the Maryland Department of Labor, the Maryland State Department of Education, the Maryland Department of Commerce, the county public school system, community educational and business partners, and area employers. With today’s announcement, nine counties now participate in the program: Allegany, Carroll, Dorchester, Frederick, Howard, Kent, Queen Anne’s, Talbot, and Washington counties.
"Carroll County Public Schools is excited to participate in Apprenticeship Maryland,” said Carroll County Public Schools Superintendent Steven Lockard. “This program will provide an opportunity for our students to work in a paid apprenticeship in the Maryland workforce as they develop the skills necessary to have a meaningful career after graduation. We anticipate this will also certainly help build our local workforce here in Carroll County."
Since its launch, the Apprenticeship Maryland Program has grown by more than 270 percent in the number of participating youth apprentices, and 560 percent growth in the number of participating businesses. With apprenticeable occupations in such industries as manufacturing, construction, communications, media, and more, students gain valuable work experience in growing fields.
As in other participating counties, Allegany and Carroll County Public Schools will coordinate their student placements.
"We are pleased that Allegany and Carroll counties decided to implement the Apprenticeship Maryland Career and Technology Education Program of Study," said Dr. Carol Williamson, deputy superintendent for the Maryland State Department of Education, Office of Teaching and Learning. "It is wonderful to see educators and the business community come together to not only support students but also address the economic workforce needs of their districts."
High school juniors and seniors in Allegany County interested in becoming a youth apprentice may contact Ms. Candy Canan, CTE supervisor/CCTE principal, at 301-729-1105. In Carroll County, students may contact Ms. Angela McCauslin, supervisor of career and technology education, at 410-751-3104.
Businesses interested in hiring a youth apprentice may contact Jeffrey Smith, Maryland Department of Labor program manager, at 410-767-0227.
Learn more about the Apprenticeship Maryland Program.
About the Maryland Department of Labor
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