Thirteen Students Graduate from Pathways to Success Pre-Apprenticeship Program
Pre-Apprenticeship Program Provides Opportunities for Howard County Youth
BALTIMORE (June 4, 2019) – The second cohort of the Pathways to Success Electrical Pre-Apprenticeship Program has graduated and its students are now preparing to continue on their career pathway. The pre-apprenticeship program utilizes classroom instruction and hands-on skills training to prepare Maryland youth for employment and registered apprenticeship in one of the fastest growing occupations in the construction industry.
In its second year, Pathways to Success is a collaboration between the Maryland Department of Labor, Howard County Public School System (HCPSS), and the Independent Electrical Contractors-Chesapeake (IEC). Through this pre-apprenticeship program, 13 youth from the Career Research & Development program at HCPSS were offered the opportunity to begin a career in the electrical trade.
“This innovative partnership allows youth in Howard County to gain valuable experience that enables them to move directly to employment after graduation from high school,” said Acting Labor Secretary James E. Rzepkowski. “Thanks to the hard work and dedication of the Howard County Public School System and the Independent Electrical Contractors-Chesapeake, this partnership continues to help pave the way for a smooth transition between high school and the world of work.”
The Independent Electrical Contractors-Chesapeake conducted a 200-hour electrical trade pre-apprenticeship program for the enrolled students, which included a combination of hands-on training and classroom instruction. Each of the 13 students successfully completed the program and have signed with an employer. A number of the students have been accepted into the IEC electrical registered apprenticeship program.
“I believe education should serve the needs of every learner and those who want to learn a trade through our robust vocational programs will be vital to our economy and quality of life,” said Howard County Executive Dr. Calvin Ball, an educator. “I congratulate the graduates of our Pathways to Success Program, and I encourage other students to consider a pre-apprenticeship in electrical work. Our community should value the skilled trades and I’m proud to support a program that passes on these important skills.”
For more information about Maryland’s workforce system, or training opportunities provided for those who qualify, please contact the Department of Labor’s Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning at DLWDALWIOA_DLLR@maryland.gov.
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The Maryland Department of Labor is committed to safeguarding and protecting Marylanders. We're proud to support the economic stability of the state by providing businesses, the workforce, and the consuming public with high-quality, customer-focused regulatory, employment, and training services. For updates and information, follow the Maryland Department of Labor on Twitter (@MD_Labor), Facebook and visit our website.
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