🧰Employer YA Toolkit🧰

1. Program Overview

• The Youth Apprenticeship Program connects high school juniors and seniors (typically 16+) with local businesses for paid, career-focused work experiences.

• Apprentices earn academic credit toward graduation while developing skills aligned to industry standards.
  
  

2. Employer Requirements

• Employers must be preapproved with Maryland Department of Labor.  Contact MDoL Navigator to work with you to fill out the application (click for link).

• Must provide paid positions (at least minimum wage).

• Must offer meaningful, career-relevant work (not just clerical tasks).

  • Sample Job Description

• Must maintain appropriate insurance coverage (workers' compensation is typically required).

• Must comply with all labor laws (including Maryland minor labor laws).  MDoL Minor Fact Sheet
  
  

3. Student Participation

• Students remain enrolled in FCPS while working.

• Schedules can be flexible: apprentices may work part-time during school hours, after school, evenings, or full-time weekends and during school breaks.

• Students must complete a minimum number of work hours to earn credit (often 450 hours per apprenticeship).

• Equity Focused Considerations

  • Are hours flexible?

  • Is transporation available?

  • What prerequisites are necessary?  (Onboarding sessions)

  • Avoid unnecessary experience requirements

  • Place emphasis on skill-building and support

4. Key Paperwork

• Employers and apprentices must complete a Youth Apprenticeship Agreement, outlining the terms of employment.

• Work permits for minors are required (students will assist with obtaining these).

• A designated worksite mentor must be identified to supervise and support the apprentice.
  
  

5. Training Plan

• Employers, in collaboration with FCPS, help create a training plan that lists skills and competencies the apprentice should develop.

  • Training plans may include: on the job trainings and skills that will be taught throughout the apprenticeship experience.

  • Training plans can begin as entry level and progress toward advanced skills throughout the experience.

  • Training plans should align to related instruction and employability skills.

• Regular feedback and evaluations are expected to ensure skill progression.

6. Supports for Employers

• FCPS provides program support, including supervisor orientation, helping to match students, assisting with paperwork, and addressing concerns.

• FCPS can offer guidance on structuring the experience to maximize benefit for both employer and student.

• Students are provided Related Instruction (high school courses, on-the-job training, dual enrollment coursework and/or a combination thereof) that matches the work experience.
  
  

7. Hiring Process

• Employers create a job description and share opportunities through the FCPS Youth Apprenticeship Coordinator.

• Students apply directly to employers and share applications with Central Office through their Work-Base Learning Coordinator. Application are sent to employers and employers interview and select their apprentices.  Employers notify student with job offering and contact ALL students who interviewed with status. (hire/non-hire)

• FCPS does not assign students; employers retain full hiring authority.
  
  

8. Benefits for Employers

• Opportunity to grow your talent pipeline and invest in future workforce needs.

• Fresh perspectives and tech-savvy young employees.

• Community goodwill through visible support of youth development and education.

• Tax benefit for students who complete 450 required hours, with required documentation.  NOTE: Students may continue working more than 450 hours, with potential full-time employment and Signing Day recognition in May of each year.
  
  

9. Important Program Dates

• Youth Apprenticeship recruitment typically occurs each spring, summer and fall for year-round placement opportunities.

• Students often participate in a Youth Apprenticeship Signing Day event to celebrate their selection.

10. Contact Information

• Questions or interest in hiring an apprentice? Contact the FCPS Youth Apprenticeship Coordinator Mike Brown for assistance at 240-586-7764 or email: michael.brown@fcps.org

• Elevate Your Business with Us: This link contains information, employer & student videos, onboarding to Youth Apprentice flowchart, useful support links.

• MDoL Minor Fact Sheet

• How To Be A Great Mentor! For Employers

• HOW TO ACHIEVE 450 Hours for Employers

• Shorter employer onboarding timelines

• Higher-quality, consistent apprenticeship roles and responsibilities

• Improved demographic balance across placements

• Stronger employee retention