The Talbot County, Youth Apprenticeship program, is a partnership with local employers and the Maryland Department of Labor that allows students to “earn while they learn!” Juniors and seniors are eligible to work in career-track occupations while provided fair compensation. Upon completion of the program, students will earn four high school credits. Businesses can hire and mentor their future employers by developing the in-demand skills needed for their industries!
TCPS APPRENTICESHIP BUSINESSES
STUDENTS
Enter the workforce while still in high school.
Earn a salary.
Earn high school credit for completing the program – up to 4 credits.
Youth apprenticeship is a CTE pathway and can lead to a completer.
Gain marketable industry skills.
Career Discovery – Students are able to confirm that a certain industry is a good fit, saving time and money in pursuing costly higher education or technical training after high school.
Advancement Advantage – Youth apprentices have an advantage over other candidates as they develop valuable career skills and a professional network.
Confidence – Students gain self-assurance by working independently under the tutelage of a mentor.
By meeting all the State program standards, you’ll receive a Maryland State Skill Certificate.
Student applicants must be juniors or seniors, age 16 years or older, and have reliable transportation.
A student must complete the program by the time they graduate from high school.
Related instruction is required. Each posting lists the pathways of approved instruction. You must have had or are currently enrolled In a course in one of the listed pathways. Pathways and courses are listed in the Program of Study.
Applicants must be students in good standing and on track to graduate with good grades and attendance.
Students must complete 450 hours of work–based training and necessary instruction by graduation.
A student must submit a complete application packet to their school counselor.
How do I apply?
Contact your school counselor or TCPS Apprenticeship Coordinator Tshombe Laughman
What is the deadline for completing an application?
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until opportunities are filled. A student must have the ability and time in their schedule to complete the required 450 hours of work prior to graduation.
What is the work schedule?
Work schedules are determined by the employer. A student must be able to work within an employer’s hours of operation. Most employers are flexible within these times. Please see your school counselor to determine if your schedule can accommodate the employer’s hours. Some employers have evening and weekend hours and do not require a schedule change.
Can I work only during the summer?
No, you will not be able to complete the required number of hours only working during the summer. Your school schedule must allow for work during the school year.
Do I need a work permit?
Yes, Work permits are required for all minors under the age of 18 to work in the State of Maryland. Visit MDOL to apply.
What is required during my apprenticeship in addition to working 450 hours?
Apprenticeship is a CTE program of study. In addition to the stipulations outlined in the Apprenticeship Agreement, the following requirements apply:
Employers report apprenticeship progress to the Apprenticeship Coordinator at least quarterly.
Apprentices are required to submit monthly timesheets.
Apprentices are required to attend quarterly check-in meetings with the Apprenticeship Coordinator.
Apprentices and employers are required to participate in a quarterly site visit from the Apprenticeship Coordinator to the workplace.
Apprentices complete additional assignments throughout their apprenticeship as assigned.
Who can I contact for program questions or application assistance?
Contact your school counselor or Tshombe Laughman, Apprenticeship Coordinator, at tshombe.laughman@talbotschools.org tshombe.laughman@talbotschools.org
or 410-822-0330 for questions and/or assistance.
Apprenticeship Program Benefits For Students
- Earn while you learn. Youth apprentices are paid a wage while they learn valuable job skills.
- On the Job training. Students will complete at least 450 hours under the supervision of a mentor.
- Discover your dream job. Confirm that the industry you selected is a good fit for you, saving you time and money in pursuing costly higher education or technical training after high school.
- Get a head start. Youth apprentices have an advantage over other candidates when seeking employment after high school, because they develop valuable career skills and a professional network.
- Become more confident. Gain self-assurance by working independently under the tutelage of a mentor.
- Make new friends. Youth apprenticeship programs attract a diverse group of students.
- Meet graduation requirements. Upon completion of the program, students will receive four high school credits and finish the Career and Technology Apprenticeship Pathway.
The youth apprenticeship program is designed for juniors and seniors who are interested in entering the workforce while in high school and plan to continue in that industry after graduation. Through this program, students will learn and practice technical and employability skills under the guidance of a professional. Additionally, they will complete the necessary classroom experiences that meet specific industry standards.
Please get in touch with your school’s Youth Apprenticeship Coordinator to learn about eligibility requirements, the application process, and available opportunities!
EMPLOYERS
- TCPS Maryland Youth Apprenticeship Program brings Talbot 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 Talbot 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 Talbot 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.
TCPS 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 related instruction. Related instruction is determined by the employer and the Apprenticeship Coordinator 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 application packets are forwarded to approved apprenticeship employer partners for review. 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 employer 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.
Quarterly
- The apprentice will meet with the Apprenticeship Coordinator for a check-in quarterly. 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 will perform a site visit at the apprenticeship employer’s location quarterly 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 Talbot County Public Schools, contact Tshombe Laughman, Apprenticeship Coordinator, by email at tshombe.laughman@talbotschools.org, by phone at 410-822-0330
Apprenticeship employers are approved through the MD DOL MATC through an application process. Employers are approved every other month. Employers are encouraged to work with the Apprenticeship Coordinator prior to submitting an application.
- The Labor 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?
Where can I find out more information on the approval process?
Information can be found on the MD Department of Labor website.
Apprenticeship Program Benefits for Employers
- Build your workforce. Youth apprenticeship trains workers in the specific skills needed by your company. Students complete at least 450 hours of on-the-job training under a mentor along with any classroom/training experiences your industry requires.
- Connect to the talent of the future. Youth apprenticeships are a great way to develop a pipeline of talented, high-skilled workers to help your business grow.
- Contribute to your bottom line. You will see a noticeable contribution to your bottom line through these highly productive and motivated employees.
- Make your workplace safer. A well-trained workforce may reduce worker compensation costs.
- Plan for employee succession. Youth apprenticeships help you successfully facilitate the transfer of knowledge from experienced employees to new recruits.
Businesses interested in mentoring a youth apprentice will work closely with the Talbot County Public School’s Apprenticeship Coordinator to develop a student work plan, recruit potential candidates, and assure the student is meeting both school and industry requirements. Please contact Tshombe Laughman for more information.
For more information on the Apprenticeship program and to find out how your business can get involved:
