Frederick County Public Schools seeks businesses for MD Youth Apprenticeship Program

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Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS) is seeking employers interested in growing their workforce through the Maryland Youth Apprenticeship Program, designed to bridge the gap between education and industry by providing students with experience in partnership with local businesses in Frederick County.

Intending to foster economic growth and cultivate a skilled local workforce, Frederick County Public Schools is inviting businesses across various sectors to participate in this innovative program. By engaging with the Youth Apprenticeship Program, businesses can shape the future workforce while addressing their own talent needs.

Participating employers are approved through the Maryland Department of Labor and must provide at least 450 hours of paid, structured, on-the-job training and a qualified mentor for each youth apprentice. Each high school has a Work-Based Learning Coordinator who serves as the liaison between the school and the employer to support a mutually successful experience.

The Frederick County Youth Apprenticeship program allows students to “earn while they learn” and allows employers to explore working with students before offering them a permanent position. Aligning with the Frederick County Public Schools semester calendar, junior and senior year students develop practical skills and get a head start in their careers while gaining school credit.

New positions are posted on the FCPS Apprenticeship website approximately one month before each semester and before summer break. To apply for an apprenticeship, students submit an application packet for a specific position to their high school’s Work Based Learning Coordinator by the stated deadline. From there, Frederick County Public Schools routes applications to employers for the screening and interview process. Hiring decisions coincide with the beginning of the school semester or summer break.