In July 2019, Howard County, Maryland, began a new program to help train workers to fill electrical, plumbing, and HVAC-R jobs. The county earned the approval of the Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation to use apprenticeships to attract individuals interested in learning trade skills. The program includes four years of trade apprentice school (paid for by the county) with on-the-job training that equates to full-time, paid positions with benefits. In return for four years of paid education and training, the county benefits by having workers trained in the county’s best practices and have committed to remaining employed by the county for at least two years after completing the program. The first “class of graduates” completed their apprentice programs and now work with the county as journey-skilled professionals, in the Department of Public Works (DPW) Bureaus of Facilities, where they contribute to the maintenance of the county’s 172 buildings. Master tradespeople associated with AFSCME 3085, the local Howard County trade union, oversee and train candidates. In 2024, the county began a youth apprentice program in conjunction with Howard County Public Schools that places high school seniors in the DPW Bureau of Facilities to learn trade skills and attend trade apprentice school while finishing their high school requirements. The paid positions allow students to get a head start in a potential trade career. “After this session, participants will be better able to:
• Study how Howard County developed an adult trade apprentice program.
• Recognize how the apprentice program benefits Howard County and its workforce development.
• Evaluate the benefits and challenges of expanding to a youth apprentice program.”
Contributor/Source
Sharon Walsh-Bureau Chief, Facilities
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