Apprenticeship Maryland is a State-wide program that gives your business the unique opportunity to train, influence and shape high school students into top-performing employees who are invested in your business.

Participating in Apprenticeship Maryland is an investment in your business. Apprenticeships are a great way to develop a pipeline of talented, high-skilled workers to help businesses grow.

To become an employer partner, you will need to complete the Eligible Employer Application through the Maryland Department of Labor. You will then collaborate with the HCPSS Apprenticeship team to match interested students and develop a training plan.

Employers are required to complete and sign the Apprenticeship Maryland Program Agreement and provide quarterly grading and feedback.

Yes, students must be paid minimum wage or higher. There are often opportunities for employers to receive incentive funding and/or tax credits to offset the cost of hiring an apprentice.

A wide range of industries can participate, including manufacturing, healthcare, IT, finance, skilled trades, and more. The program is flexible and can be adapted to fit the specific needs of your industry.

No prior experience with apprenticeships is required. The HCPSS Apprenticeship team will help you develop a training plan and guide you through the process to ensure both the apprentice and your business benefit.

As a participating business, you’ll receive support from the school system, including assistance with recruitment, student matching, training plans, and regular communication. You will also be guided through the administrative and legal aspects of hosting a youth apprentice.

Yes, many employers choose to offer apprentices full-time employment after they complete the program. The apprentice will have gained valuable industry-specific skills, making them a strong candidate for a full-time role.

Apprentices should be assigned tasks that help them develop specific skills relevant to your industry. This may include hands-on projects, shadowing experienced employees, or learning to use industry-standard tools and technologies.

The program will ensure compliance with Maryland labor laws and safety regulations regarding minors in the workplace.

It is important to remember youth apprentices are high school seniors who often have limited or no work experience but are eager to learn. Providing guidance and mentorship while they learn responsible work habits and the required industry specific skills will help develop a long term employee. All, apprentices are expected to follow all company policies e.g., dress code, behavior, discipline, etc., and to become a productive member of the team.

• MSDE website
• The Maryland Department of Labor website

Businesses interested in participating should complete the Eligible Employer application.