Employers

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Help Shape Tomorrow’s Workforce Today

Washington County Public Schools partners with local employers to connect students with real-world career opportunities. As an Employer Partner, you can engage with students at every stage of their career journey.

Beginning in middle school, employers support Career Awareness Activities that introduce students to industries, careers, and workplace skills. In high school, students take their learning further through Career Experience Pathways, including internships, apprenticeships, job shadowing, and other workplace-based learning opportunities.

Together, we can prepare students for success while building the future talent pipeline for your industry.

Career experience pathways

What's the difference between Internships AND MD Apprenticeships?

In many ways, WCPS Career Connected Learning (CCL) Internships and Maryland Youth Apprenticeships provide very similar benefits and experiences for students. Both models connect students with employers for meaningful, hands-on workplace learning, allow students to earn high school credit, and help develop the skills needed for future career success.

The primary difference is the partnership structure. Maryland Youth Apprenticeships operate within a state-approved framework and require employers to be approved through the Maryland Apprenticeship and Training Council (MATC). WCPS CCL Internships, on the other hand, are developed through local partnerships between WCPS and employers, providing greater flexibility and allowing employers to participate without completing the state approval process.

While the approval process differs, WCPS maintains a thorough employer vetting process to ensure all participating employers are in good standing and committed to providing students with safe, supportive, and high-quality work-based learning experiences.

Regardless of the pathway, students benefit from school support, employer mentorship, real-world work experience, and the opportunity to earn high school credit for completed hours.

Some employers may choose to participate in the Maryland Youth Apprenticeship program when it aligns with an existing Registered Apprenticeship program and supports a long-term talent pipeline that extends beyond high school graduation. Others may find the WCPS CCL Internship model to be a more flexible option for engaging and developing future workforce talent at the local level.

Click the pictures below to learn more about the different forms of Career Experience Pathways:

employer responsibilities - the basics

Complete the Employer Interest Form to get connected with the WCPS CTE Career Connected Learning Coordinator
Work with the WCPS Career Connected Learning Coordinator to determine the best CCL framework that works for your industry: Internship versus MD Apprenticeship
Comply with all child labor laws and employment of minors laws.
Document student progress following program procedures outlined by the WCPS Career Connected Learning Coordinator
Provide a qualified mentor/supervisor to monitor student training, development, and progress.
Other responsibilities as defined in the standards and agreement.

students Recruitment and hiring process

How the Process Works

1. Become an Employer Partner

Once approved as a WCPS Employer Partner, you'll be connected with the Career Connected Learning Coordinator, who will help promote your opportunities to qualified students.

2. We Recruit and Prepare Students

Interested students complete a professional application package, including:

Resume
Cover Letter
Teacher Recommendation

Students also complete the required related instruction and career preparation aligned to your industry's needs.

3. Review Qualified Candidates

WCPS screens applications and forwards qualified candidates to your organization for consideration.

4. Interview and Select

You choose which students to interview and make all hiring decisions. Interviews and hiring timelines are determined by your organization.

5. Launch the Experience

Once a student accepts an offer, WCPS works with both the student and employer to complete the necessary documentation so the work experience can count toward high school credit.

We Handle the Details. You Develop Talent.

Our team supports employers throughout the process—from recruiting and screening candidates to coordinating school requirements—making it easy for you to invest in the next generation of skilled professionals.

You provide the opportunity. We help make the connection.

ACCESS TODAY'S TALENT - BUILD TOMORROW'S SKILLED WORKERS

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