Apprenticeship Maryland Youth Pilot Program Provides Innovative Opportunities for Local Youth
Frederick County and Washington County businesses provide innovative opportunities for local youth
BALTIMORE (Nov. 16, 2017) – Apprenticeship Maryland, the youth apprenticeship pilot program in Frederick and Washington counties, today announced an expanded role for Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS). Beginning this month, the school system will not only administer the pilot, but will join the ranks of some of Frederick County's top employers by becoming an eligible employer for students participating in the program.
“Frederick County Schools’ decision to become an eligible employer in the youth apprenticeship program is a wonderful testament to the program’s success,” said Labor Secretary Kelly M. Schulz. “The schools have been administering the program since mid-2016. They have seen firsthand that apprenticeships work, and they know the good they do for our state’s youth. FCPS wants a larger role in that work and we are happy to facilitate that.”
Youth apprenticeship invests in sustainable career pathways and on-the-job experiences for high school students. FCPS’ decision to become an eligible employer will provide youth apprentices with opportunities to learn on the job in such positions as communications assistants, information technology assistants, and others to come.
Apprenticeship Maryland allies with the administration’s commitment to creating a stronger economy by building a workforce that meets and exceeds the needs of Maryland's businesses. This unique program provides an avenue for Maryland businesses to directly train and develop high school students into top-performing employees.
The program requires eligible employers to hire Apprenticeship Maryland participants, facilitating their entrance into high-skill, high-growth STEM-related industries such as healthcare, biotechnology, information technology, construction and design, banking and finance, and advanced manufacturing. Frederick and Washington counties were selected to administer this pilot program which provides high school juniors and seniors with academic and occupational skills leading to both a high school diploma and a State Skill Certificate.
“Youth apprenticeships benefit both the apprentice and the employer,” said Secretary Schulz. “High school juniors and seniors get valuable work experience – while earning a wage - and local employers are able to expand their talent pipeline. The process prepares young people for the future, and creates a system of recruitment and retention for Maryland’s employers.”
The pilot program was established through legislation signed by Governor Hogan in the 2015 legislative session of the Maryland General Assembly and is a partnership between the Maryland Department of Labor, the Maryland State Department of Education, and the Department of Commerce. The collaboration is part of the Augustine Commission’s report, which specifically identified the creation of apprenticeship opportunities as a way that Maryland could become more business friendly.
For more information about Apprenticeship Maryland or to become an eligible employer, visit the Department’s website or e-mail DLApprenticeshipMaryland-DLLR@maryland.gov.
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