🧰Employer YA Toolkit🧰

New to Apprenticeship: Need to Knows

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

Must provide paid positions (at least minimum wage).
Must offer meaningful, career-relevant work (not just clerical tasks).
Must maintain appropriate insurance coverage (workers' compensation is typically required).
Must comply with all labor laws (including Maryland minor labor laws).

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, weekends, or during school breaks.
Students must complete a minimum number of work hours to earn credit (often 450 hours per apprenticeship).

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.
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, 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.