Employers

WCPS Maryland Youth Apprenticeship Program brings Washington County youth and employers together to create skilled labor in today's ever-changing job market.

Students are placed with approved employers who assign a qualified mentor that provides guidance and on-the-job training. The program provides the unique opportunity to “earn and learn”.

Participating in the Youth Apprenticeship Maryland Program is an investment in the future of Washington County. 

Apprenticeship is a tried and true method of recruiting and retaining employees. Through our program, you receive help in recruiting competent students who, through instruction and mentorship, will develop into highly skilled workers, reducing turnover and decreasing costs. 

The Program gives the unique opportunity for you to build a pipeline of young talent who train to your standards.

We support both students and employers throughout the apprenticeship to ensure student success.

• Apprenticeship is an investment in the future of Washington County.

• Build your workforce and train apprentices in the specific skills needed.

• Reduce turnover costs. Apprenticeships offer a high retention rate.

• Increase productivity. Apprenticeships foster motivation, satisfaction, and loyalty. 

• Enhance workplace safety. 

• Apprenticeships facilitate the transfer of knowledge.

• WCPS provides support to ensure student success.

• Employ an apprentice for a minimum of 450 hours prior to the apprentice graduating.

• Pay the apprentice at least minimum wage.

• Comply with all child labor laws and employment of minor laws.

• Document apprentice progress following program procedures outlined by the Apprenticeship Coordinator. 

• Provide a qualified mentor.

• Other responsibilities as defined in the apprenticeship standards and agreement. More information can be found on the MD DOL website here.

Once the employer application is approved by MATC (Maryland Apprenticeship and Training Council), employers work directly with the Apprenticeship Coordinator who will advertise and market open positions to students. 

Students complete an application packet, including cover letter, resume and teacher recommendation.  

Applicants are required to complete, at a minimum, one year of related instruction. Related instruction is determined by the employer and Office of Career Technical Education based on the requirements for each position and submitted to the Maryland Department of Labor. Related instruction may be provided by the school system, by the apprenticeship employer, at a community college or a combination of these. Instruction may be in person or in an online format. 

Related instruction can be offered prior to or simultaneously with the work-based learning experience. 

Approved apprenticeship applications packets are forwarded to approved apprenticeship employer partners for review by the Apprenticeship Coordinator. Interviews are scheduled at the discretion of each employer. Applicants are not guaranteed an interview or position. 

If the apprenticeship employer grants an interview, the employer will contact the student directly.

Once interviewed, the apprenticeship employer will notify the applicant and the Apprenticeship Coordinator of the outcome. 

If an applicant is offered and accepts a position with an apprenticeship employer, the Apprenticeship Coordinator will work with both student and apprentice to complete the required forms to establish the apprenticeship. 

Apprenticeships are administered by the Office of Career and Technical Education and are monitored by the Apprenticeship Coordinator and/or designated staff throughout the apprenticeship.

Monthly

The apprentice is responsible for completing and submitting a Monthly Timesheet. The timesheet must be approved by the apprenticeship employer prior to submission. 

Apprenticeship employers are required to complete a monthly survey that documents the student's progress and provides continuous and regular communication of feedback.

Quarterly

The apprentice will meet with the Apprenticeship Coordinator and/or designated staff for a Check-In every quarter. During this check-in, the apprentice will be expected to report on their apprenticeship experience. Check-ins are scheduled in person or virtual at the Apprenticeship Coordinator’s discretion. 

The Apprenticeship Coordinator and/or designated staff will perform a Site Visit at the apprenticeship employer's location once in the first 60 days and then every quarter to see the apprentice during work hours. This site visit consists of monitoring the student on-the-job and discussing training and work performance with both apprentice and employer. 

• To find out specific information about the apprenticeship program at Washington County Public Schools, contact apprenticeship staff at apprenticeship@wcps.k12.md.us.

• Apprenticeship employers are approved through the MD DOL MATC through an application process. Employers are approved every other month. 

  • Complete the MD DOL form here.

  • The MD DOL Apprenticeship Navigator will contact you to schedule a visit to the worksite and assist you in navigating the approval process.

• How many hours is an apprenticeship?

  • An apprentice must complete a minimum of 450 hours prior to graduation. 

• What is the pay rate?

  • Each employer sets its own pay rate. Apprentices must be paid at least minimum wage. 

• Where can I find information on child labor laws?

  • You can view the minor fact sheet here.

• Where can I find out more information on the approval process?

  • Information can be found on the MD Department of Labor website.