The  FCPS Youth Apprentice Program is for FCPS  11th and 12th graders who wants to gain experience in the workplace with plans to continue in that industry after graduation. These students "Earn while they Learn" at a worksite alongside a mentor with a training plan, receive related classroom instruction, earn weighted school credit, and a Skills Certificate from the Department of Labor upon completion of 450-hours. 

The program gives a unique opportunity for business to build a pipeline of young talent through mentorship, reducing turnover and decreasing costs. Participating employers are approved through the Maryland Department of Labor. These employers provide a minimum of 450-hours of paid, structured, on the job training and a qualified mentor for Youth Apprentices. 

As this program aligns with our school semesters, students apply prior to the start of Fall, Spring, or Summer semester.  The next opportunity for Juniors to apply for the Youth Apprentice Program will be for the spring semester.  A Find out First announcement will be sent later this Fall for spring application deadline dates. 

Prior to each semester, a listing of open apprentice positions at area employers is posted here. Interested students must submit an application packet through their high school's Work Based Learning (WBL) Coordinator, NOT the employer. Interviews and hiring decisions will by made by employers to coincide with the beginning of the semester.

If a student is hired, he or she will start the program and spend part of the school day employed in a paid part-time position under the cooperative supervision of the employer/mentor and the WBL. Most students are scheduled in apprenticeships for two 90-minute periods of a school day. Students will work with their WBL, employer, and parents to get the proper paperwork completed and school schedule arranged prior to start date. Apprentices are responsible for arranging their own transportation. 
​
The Youth Apprentice Program is designed for the student to complete 450-hours total over summer and the school year and receive related educational training at school to earn a DOL Skills Certificate.  The expectation for minimum number of hours per week is connected to the number of credits the student is earning from the school system.  Generally, a student needs to work a minimum of 15 hours per week to earn 2 credits in the school year.  The students would most likely do 20+ hours a week during summer semester; most summer semester youth apprentices work close to full-time hours.

FAQ

We Craft Powerful Learning                                                       

Our Students Come First