Exploring Gap Year & Career Opportunities

Apprenticeship Opportunities

• The Sheet Metal Workers' Apprenticeship Program | SMART (Sheet Metal Air Rail Transportation)

  • Focus: Sheet Metal

  • Location: Suitland, Maryland

• Career Pathways Apprenticeship Program | DCHR

• Focus: Information Technology/Healthcare Administration

• Location: Washington, DC

• Health Care Skill Set Apprenticeship Program | Dream Healthcare Group

• Focus: Healthcare

• Email kim.latimer@dreamhealthgroup.com with Apprenticeship in the subject line

• DC Apprenticeship Program | DOES

  • Focus: Building, Construction, and Technical Trade

  • Location: Washington, DC

Career Technical Education (CTE) and Career Training Opportunities

Navigate to these popular CTE and career training programs' websites for more information about their offerings. Most programs require entrance assessments for placement. All programs are free unless otherwise noted. Application deadlines vary by program and pathway. Be sure to review the websites for enrollment details and timelines. Many of these applications will not open until the spring.

• Bennett Career Institute (Cosmetology/Barbering)

  • Location: Brookland in Washington, DC

  • Cost varies. Financial aid is accepted

• DC Central Kitchen (Culinary)

  • Location: Washington, DC

  • Financial aid is available

• Fire and EMS Cadet Training Program (Fire/EMS)

• Location: Washington, DC

• Paid program with benefits

• Job Corps (Various Career Options)

  • • Location: Multiple Locations

    • Free, residential job training program

• LAYC Career Academy (IT/Healthcare/College Prep)

  • • Location: Washington, DC

    • Tuition-free adult charter school focusing on career training in high-growth occupations and/or college-credit classes

  • Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) Cadet Program (Cadet Training Program)

    • Earn a salary while taking 60 tuition-free credits

    • Part-time opportunities for seniors, and full-time opportunities for HS graduates

  • Pathways For Young Adults Program (Healthcare/Admin/Tech)

    • Occupational training, work readiness, internship experience

    • Paid internship

  • Per Scholas (IT/Software Engineering/Cybersecurity)

    • Location: Multiple Locations

    • Tuition free training

  • Prince George's Community College Workforce Development Programs (Various Career Options)

    • Location: Largo, Maryland

    • Multiple pathways including Computers and Information Technology, Construction and Skilled Trades, Hair Braiding and Makeup, and Transportation and Distribution (including Automotive Technology and Auto Body Repair)

    • Cost varies

• SOME Job Training Program (Healthcare/Building Trades)

  • • Location: Washington, DC

    • Financial aid is available

  • UDC Workforce Development Programs (Various Career Options)

    • Location: Washington, DC

    • Free tuition (some medical classes have out-of-pocket expenses)

    • Pathways include IT, hospitality, healthcare, construction, and child development

  • YearUp (Various Career Options)

    • Location: Multiple locations

    • Certifications: IT, Finances, Software Development, Sales & Customer Service, Business Operations, and Professional Skills

    • Stipends available

  • Community College Prep Academy (Various Career Pathways)

    • Location: Washington, DC

    • For students who have aged out of public education

    • Certifications: IT, Pre-HVAC, Electrical and Microsoft Office programs