National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) is from Nov. 13 through 19. The nationwide initiative promoting the value of apprenticeships in America. This annual celebration highlights the significant potential that apprenticeships offer individuals in developing workplace experience and valuable skills sought after by employers. 

The Apprenticeship Maryland Program (AMP) was established in 2015 through a collaborative partnership between the Maryland Department of Labor, the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE), the Maryland Department of Commerce, county public school systems, community educational and business partners, and local employers. 

Charles County Public Schools (CCPS), has been approved by the Maryland Apprenticeship and Training Council (MATC) to employ students as apprentices. This approval, received in January 2023, signifies CCPS' dedication to providing students with valuable work-based learning experiences. 

This school year, CCPS has placed eight out of the 11 student apprentices within the school system that have been approved to work as CCPS apprentices. High school seniors have reported to their respective departments, commencing their journeys towards paid work-based learning. The following 11 students/employees are approved apprentices by CCPS.  

Career and Technical Education Department

• Mechelle Johnson-Reeves, senior, St. Charles High School (part time).

Communications Department 

• Mechelle Johnson-Reeves, senior, St. Charles (part time).
• Gabrielle Thompson, senior, North Point High School.

Human Resources Department 

• Taylor Goines, senior, St. Charles.

Office Of Teaching and Learning (Barnhart Elementary School) 

• Gabrielle Garrett, senior, Thomas Stone High School.
• Evelyn Gomez Flores, senior, Maurice J. McDonough High School.

Technology (Benjamin Stoddert Middle School) 

• Thomas Willis, senior, St. Charles.

Department of Transportation 

• DeJuan Freeman, senior, Henry E. Lackey High School 
• Justin Patterson, senior, St. Charles.

Stella’s Girls  

• Kierra Dodson, senior, La Plata High School. 
• Z’niyah Gomez, senior, McDonough.
• Tommie Morris, senior, North Point.

"We are delighted to witness the exceptional progress and dedication displayed by our student apprentices," Superintendent of Schools, Maria V. Navarro, Ed.D., said. "Their successful transition into the workforce marks a significant milestone in their personal and professional growth. We applaud their determination and look forward to supporting them as they venture into the realm of paid work-based learning." 

National Apprenticeship Week highlights the importance of opportunities that apprenticeships provide, bridging the gap between education and employment.  

About CCPS

Charles County Public Schools provides 27,598 students in grades prekindergarten through 12 with an academically challenging education. Located in Southern Maryland, Charles County Public Schools has 37 schools that offer a technologically advanced, progressive and high quality education that builds character, equips for leadership and prepares students for life, careers and higher education.

The Charles County public school system does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age or disability in its programs, activities or employment practices. For inquiries, please contact Kathy Kiessling, Title IX/ADA/Section 504 Coordinator (students) or Nikial M. Majors, Title IX/ADA/Section 504 Coordinator (employees/ adults), at Charles County Public Schools, Jesse L. Starkey Administration Building, P.O. Box 2770, La Plata, MD 20646; 301-932-6610/301-870-3814. For special accommodations call 301-934-7230 or TDD 1-800-735-2258 two weeks prior to the event.

CCPS provides nondiscriminatory equal access to school facilities in accordance with its Use of Facilities rules to designated youth groups (including, but not limited to, the Boy Scouts).