Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation issued the following announcement on July 17.
The lieutenant governor, together with Maryland Labor Secretary Kelly M. Schulz and Maryland State Department of Education Assistant State Superintendent Dr. Lynne Gilli, today announced Dorchester County as the first Maryland county to join the newly expanded Apprenticeship Maryland Program (AMP). The announcement follows the lieutenant governor’s call earlier this year to expand youth apprenticeship opportunities statewide due to the highly successful pilots in Frederick and Washington counties.
“Our pilot programs in Frederick and Washington counties have seen tremendous success over the past two years,” the lieutenant governor said. “The expansion of youth apprenticeship to Dorchester County ensures that even more Maryland students will have greater access to career opportunities in a wide range of high-growth industries.”
The AMP, founded in 2015 as a pilot in Frederick and Washington counties, is a partnership between the Maryland Department of Labor, the Maryland State Department of Education, the Department of Commerce, the county public school system, community educational and business partners, and area employers. As in other participating counties, Dorchester County Public Schools will coordinate student placements.
Since its launch, the Maryland Apprenticeship Program has grown by 145 percent in the number of participating youth apprentices, and 215 percent growth in the number of participating businesses. With apprenticeable occupations in such industries as manufacturing, construction, communications, media, and more, students gain valuable work experience in growing fields.
Youth apprenticeship program students work a minimum of 450 hours with a certified employer, while receiving related educational training through their high school. Participating students typically work during the summer after their junior year and during their senior year with a state-approved employer. They work with a mentor to learn valuable skills and earn industry credentials and high school credit. Students also receive training in employability skills, interpersonal/social skills, and general knowledge of the world of work.
“Youth apprenticeship is a great way for students to receive training and make sure their chosen career path is right for them, while avoiding costly tuition debt,” said Maryland Labor Secretary Schulz. “They also get a head start on applying for jobs after high school, because of the valuable career skills and professional network that they will develop during their apprenticeship.”
For businesses, youth apprenticeships are a great way to build a pipeline of talented, highly skilled workers to increase productivity and motivate employees. In addition, youth apprenticeships help businesses with succession planning, facilitating the transfer of knowledge from experienced employees to new recruits.
Dorchester County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Diana Mitchell said, “The Apprenticeship Maryland Program is a win-win for Dorchester County high school juniors and seniors as well as local employers. Students earn a wage while getting valuable experience while employers are able to expand their pool of qualified talent. We are excited that Dorchester County is the first district on the Eastern Shore to have the opportunity to take advantage of this innovative program.”
Youth apprenticeship is open to all industries, with a priority on high-growth career tracks such as science, technology, engineering, math (STEM), and manufacturing. Dorchester County has established a goal of placing 10 students during the first year of the program.
“Last month, the MSDE was thrilled to include the Apprenticeship Maryland Program as a new Career and Technology Education Program of Study,” said Assistant State Superintendent Dr. Lynne Gilli. “This step is a reflection of the value of apprenticeships in preparing our youth for graduation and successful careers, as well as the incredible success of the Frederick and Washington County pilot programs.”
High school juniors and seniors in Dorchester County interested in becoming a youth apprentice may contact Kermit Hines at 410-901-6950. Businesses interested in hiring a youth apprentice may contact Jeffrey Smith, Maryland Department of Labor program manager, at 410-767-0227.
“Apprenticeship Maryland enables employers to educate youth as they earn and learn, thus creating a highly skilled workforce tailored to the needs of Maryland's economy,” Dr. Gilli said.
Learn more about the Apprenticeship Maryland Program.
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