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The Youth Apprenticeship Program is a collaboration between Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS), the Maryland Department of Labor, and the many leading businesses in our community. As a part of the Maryland Apprenticeship and Training Program, the Youth Apprenticeship Program supports the future of Frederick County’s youth while strengthening the workforce of our leading business community.
ABOUT THE YOUTH
APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM
ABOUT THE YOUTH
APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM
The Youth Apprenticeship Program is designed for 11th- and 12th-grade students in Frederick County Public Schools who want to gain workplace experience in an industry that they plan to pursue after graduation.
By giving students the unique opportunity to “earn while they learn,” program participants can obtain their high school diploma while working in a paid, part-time position in the field they wish to pursue after graduation.
During the program, students will train with a knowledgeable mentor, participate in related classroom instruction, receive weighted school credit, and earn a skills certificate from the Department of Labor upon completing 450 hours.
APPLICATION PROCESS
APPLICATION PROCESS
The Youth Apprenticeship Program aligns with FCPS semesters. Students submit their application packet to their high school’s Work-based Learning Coordinator (WBL) by the coordinating deadline to apply for specific opportunities posted here. A Find-out-First email will announce deadline dates and they are published on the Current Openings page here.
SCREENING AND INTERVIEWS
SCREENING AND INTERVIEWS
FCPS will route student applications to prospective employers for screening. The businesses will then contact students directly for interviews and final hiring decisions, which will occur at the beginning of the semester.
FINALIZING THE AGREEMENT
FINALIZING THE AGREEMENT
If hired, students will work with their employer, guardians, and the WBL to finalize their Youth Apprentice Program Agreement and disclosures, signed by all. The student and WBL will create a school and work schedule that best suits the student and employer. Most students go to their apprenticeship for a minimum of three hours a day, five days a week.
HOURS AND CREDITS
HOURS AND CREDITS
The minimum number of hours per week for the apprenticeship differs depending on the number of weighted credits the student earns from the school system. Generally, a student must work at least 15 hours per week to earn two weighted credits in the school year. Students would perform 20+ hours a week during the summer semester and work 15+ during the school year.
FCPS Youth Apprenticeship and Internship programs are active throughout Frederick and Washington counties, connecting high school students with meaningful, real-world career experiences. These programs bridge the gap between classroom learning and the workplace, giving students a head start on their future careers.
📍 Curious who's already partnering with us?
Use the interactive heat map (left) to explore where our current business partners are located and the industries they represent.
Whether you're a student looking to explore a career path or a business interested in shaping the future workforce, Youth Apprenticeships offer a powerful way to get involved.
PARTNERS
PARTNERS
Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS)
Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS)
Public education is at the heart of our community. It shapes who we are. In Frederick County, our promise is to empower our young people, no matter their backgrounds or circumstances. We want them to be prepared to succeed in college and careers.
Maryland Department of Labor
Maryland Department of Labor
The mission of the Maryland Department of Labor is to connect Marylanders to good jobs; protect workers, consumers, and the public; support Maryland businesses; and foster economic growth and competitiveness.
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