FCPS Youth Apprenticeship Program

FCPS was selected as one of two counties in Maryland to pilot the Maryland Youth Apprenticeship "Earn and Learn" Program. Participating students work during the summer after the junior year and during the senior year in a state-approved industry. They work with a mentor to learn valuable skills and earn industry credentials and high school credit.

The program is a partnership between the Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation, the Maryland State Department of Education, the Department of Commerce, FCPS, community educational and business partners, and area employers. FCPS takes the lead in coordinating student placements.

The program requires that eligible employers hire Apprenticeship Maryland participants in eligible career track occupations in science, technology, engineering, math (STEM) and manufacturing. Student apprentices are provided paid compensation through “earn and learn” opportunities.

Students also receive training in employability skills, interpersonal/social skills and general knowledge of the world of work.

What are Maryland Youth Apprenticeships? An apprenticeship is an industry-driven program that provides students the opportunity to “earn and learn.” A Youth Apprentice participating in this program receives supervised, structured, on-the-job training from a mentor in a specific STEM-related occupation within the following industries:

• Environmental, Agriculture, and Natural Resources

• Business Management and Finance

• Construction and Develoopment

• Health and Bio Sciences

• Information Technology

• Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology

Students work a minimum of 450 hours with a certified employer while also receiving related educational training at their high school or the FCPS Career and Technology Center. Students have an opportunity to apply through their school's Work Based Learning Coordinator 

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FCPS Youth Apprenticeship Program – Introductory Phone Script

Introduction:

“Good morning/afternoon, this is [Your Name], Work-Based Learning Coordinator with Frederick County Public Schools. May I speak with [Business Owner/Manager's Name]?”
(If not available, ask for the best time to follow up. If they are available, continue.)

“Thank you for taking my call. I’m reaching out to share a unique opportunity to partner with FCPS through our Youth Apprenticeship Program. Is this a good time for a quick conversation?”

If Yes – Continue:

“Great! FCPS offers a Youth Apprenticeship Program that connects qualified high school students with local employers for paid, career-focused work experiences. These apprenticeships help students gain real-world skills, and they give businesses like yours a chance to train and evaluate future talent.”

“The program is very flexible.  Students work part-time during the school year, and we help coordinate scheduling and support compliance with state guidelines.”

“We’re currently looking to expand partnerships in industries like [insert relevant industry if known: healthcare, skilled trades, tech, animal care, business, etc.], and your business came to mind as a great fit.”

Key Benefits (Optional to Emphasize):

• Students are already enrolled in relevant Career & Tech Ed programs

• Employers can shape and train a future workforce

• Flexible schedules, minimal paperwork, and support from FCPS

• No long-term hiring commitment required
  
  

Ask for Interest:

“Would you be open to learning more about how this could work for your business—maybe with a short follow-up meeting or a quick email overview?”

If Yes:

“Perfect. I’ll send you a follow-up email today with more information and some sample roles. What’s the best email to reach you at?”

“Also, I’d be happy to set up a time to meet in person or virtually—whatever works best for you.”

If No or Not Now:

“I completely understand. Would it be okay if I kept you in the loop for future opportunities? I’d love to reconnect when the timing is better.”

Closing:

“Thank you again for your time. We really value our community business partners and hope to work together to support the next generation of Frederick County’s workforce. Have a great day!”